(a) Distinguishing between spacing and thinning in crop production
Spacing is the distance given between one stand of crop and another
While
Thinning is the removal of excess seedlings of plants per stand.

(b) Discussion on the cultivation of oil palm
(i) Botanical name

Elaeis guineensis


(ii) Varieties

Dura
Pisifera
Tenera

(iii) Method of propagation

By seeds

(iv) Soil requirement

Loamy soil, rich in organic matter
Slightly acidic soil

(v) Spacing on the field

9m x 9m x 9m in a triangular form


(vi) Diseases

Anthracnose
Freckle
Algal spot
Galadema/Ganoderma
Blast
Brown germ
Red ring disease
Orange spotting
Vascular wilt
Necrotic spot


(c) Ways in which forest resources are important to the economy of West Africa

Provide food such as fruits, bush meat and vegetables
Provide pulp for paper production
Provide wood used for planks and furniture
Provide trees (timber) which generate revenue and foreign exchange
Provide employment for forest guards and those involved in lumbering
Forest trees serve as windbreaks thereby preventing wind erosion and desert encroachment
Source of fuel wood for domestic use
Source of medicinal herbs used by local healers and pharmaceutical industries
Source of raw materials for industries e.g. gum, resins, dyes, fibre and ropes
Provide home to wild life
Increase soil fertility through the decomposition of leaves of plants and help to enhance the growth and activities of soil microbes
Have a cooling effect on the environment
Serve as tourist centres
Forest trees planted around homes, industries and offices help to beautify the environment
Help in the purification of air by removing carbondioxide and adding oxygen to the
atmosphere during photosynthesis
Forests help to improve soil structure
Water shed protection
Source of income to individuals


(d) Meaning of apiculture
Apiculture is the art of domesticating bees for the production of honey and wax