Application for steemit challenge season 25| Agro-Matters

Hello!

This is another great moment to make my application post for Steemit Learning Challenge Season 25. I have anchored in season 20 and believe this path would be seamlessly handled if given the opportunity again to serve in this capacity. I will be sharing my application post in line with the stipulated guidelines. I still remain your anchor in this path of agricultural wealth of knowledge, @xkool24.

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Agriculture has remained the backbone of most economic mainstays of countries with a propensity to contribute directly and indirectly to its growth. It is the foundation of human civilization and the industrialization we have today through the use of raw materials and the provision of food for better living. It is a combination of crop cultivation, livestock production, and the management of natural resources for other productive activities. It has continued to evolve over time, given the technological advancement and sustainable practices.

Get To Know Me As I Present My CV

I am Chukwuemeka, with the steemit username @xkool24 from Nigeria. I joined the Steemit platform in November 2020, and it has been quite an interesting journey for me because it has been an awesome journey all along. I have achieved many things, and among them is helping build the country's community to its enviable position where it is barely on an auto-run acceleration and as well in the Steem-Agro community, a hub of agricultural activities.

I am an agricultural economist with a decade of experience in telecommunication business and retail sales. Before joining a career path with the telecommunication industry, I participated in several agricultural projects, such as snail production, farm practice, yield growth appraisals of poultry farmers' access to micro-credits, etc. As policymakers, we are always keen on policy-based developments to formulate policies poised to promote agricultural sustainability, food security, and overall sector growth.

Steemit is part of my daily life, I am always active both in the role of administrator/moderator sponsoring contests and other activities in the role of user participating in contests and dynamics of different communities. I may not be over-ambitious but determined to work hard, be inclusive in my approach, and be ready to serve rightly.

I was a member of the greeters team in 2021, which was a very interesting experience for me. An experience with the responsibility of training, guiding, and reviewing these newbies in the ecosystem, especially from member countries. I'm also an admin in the @steem4nigeria community, the largest community of Nigerians on Steem Blockchain, and also an admin in #Steem-agro, a hub of all agricultural activities.

Statistics in a View

Username	@xkool24
Reputation	75.454
Steem Power	12,883.12
Country	Nigeria
Role	Admin in Steem4Nigeria, Steem-Agro
Languages	English, Igbo, Pigin

I already have a six-week pack of agricultural topics lined up for the duration which may be adjusted based on the dynamics. For this application, we will be presenting to you jpoliciesree topics.

Week One Topic

Uses of Mulching in Agriculture

This is one I am way we've been able to effectively improve soil moisture, discontinue weed infestation, and regulate soil temperature. The use of this agro-practice has improved soil nutrient fertility by also reducing over-dependence on synthetic fertilizers. A much clearer knowledge and details to be shared during classes...

Flexible Tasks

• What is mulching, and why is it important in agriculture?
• What types of materials are used in mulching? Give examples.
• How does mulching help to maintain soil moisture?
• How to increase crop production by mulching method?
• When is the right time to apply mulching, and in what season is it most effective?

Week Two Topic

Winter vegetable production

All year, farming has been a farming system put in place to strengthen sustainability and food security. Winter vegetables align with this farming concept with an emphasis on producing fresh and nutritious farm produce during off-cycle farming systems.

Flexible Tasks

• What kind of diseases or insects attack winter vegetables?
• What type of soil is best for growing winter vegetables?
• How should winter vegetables be stored?
• What is the impact of winter vegetable production on the environment?
• How does winter vegetable production help farmers' livelihoods?

Week Three Topic

Irrigation Systems, Crop Collection & Storage

This age-long farm activity has improved sustainability in the system. The various irrigation types are all tailored toward the use of water relative to plant performance. We can not remove the importance of this given its relative in cubbing waste, reducing incidences of crop water stress, and promoting all-year-round planting time (food security).

Flexible Tasks

• What are the available irrigation methods in your region, and how are they applied on the farm?

• List two different irrigation methods you know and state their advantages and disadvantages. References are directed to their water efficiency, labour need, type of crop, and yield.

• How do you maximize and optimize the use of mechanical collection methods to reduce losses and reduce the cost of labour?

• In storing our crops, what best practices can we employ to maintain quality and shelf life of farm produce, especially perishable crops

Week Four Topic

Soil Preparation and Analysis

Soil preparation and analysis is one important part of crop cultivation and production. It is all about how best we can manage the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil to achieve optimal crop yield. This could be achieved through combined activities of tillage, fertilization, and irrigation. Whereas soil analysis proceeds with soil preparation that enables us to determine the texture and structure, pH level, and nutrients for a conclusive assertive process.

These two agro-practices allow agronomists and farmers to make informed decisions during seed selections and fertilizer application. An effective and efficient soil analysis and preparation would form the bedrock of sustainable agriculture and food security. Students would be taught on how best to carry our soil preparation and analysis for efficient and effective crop performance and sustainability.

Flexible Tasks

1. What do we understand by soil preparation and analysis, and what objective and impact does it have on crop growth

2. Briefly explain the method of soil analysis and what information we extract from our findings.

3. List three commonly grown crops in your region with their pH level range; how does this pH level affect nutrient availability?

4. How do soil texture and structure affect water soil retention and infiltration, and how can this be enhanced for optimal crop performance?

5. How does deficiency of the soil's major nutrient (NPK) impact crop performance?

Week Five Topic*

Seed selection & Application of Organic agro-materials

For one to build formidable and sustainable agricultural production, seed selection should be rightly done. This is a process that requires that we give preference to seedlings that are pest and disease-resistant, tolerant to climate variations, and high-yielding in performance. This should be correctly done as it has a direct impact on our farm input and the survival rate of our farm crops. On the other hand, the application of organic materials (such as fertilizers & pesticides) is a natural way of improving our farm soil fertility and reducing environmental impacts from synthetic chemicals. Students would be tutored on the importance of seed selection, its advantages, and the need to identify and promote organic materials.

Flexible Tasks

1. What factors do a farmer need to consider during seed selection; and how do they affect crop performance?

2. Which is your best seed type (a) Hybrid/Impr,oved (b) Open Pollin,ated (c) GMO? How does it impact crop performance, reduce pest attacks, and withstand climatic stress?

3. What is the importance of seed selection during farming?

4. What benefits do we derive from the use of organic fertilizers and pesticides?

5. Clearly state the difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers and pesticides.

Week Six Topic

Marketing and Pricing in Agriculture

This is a strategy that entails efficient promotion of agro-based products to ensure profitability and market demand. Farmers have been able to succeed using this balanced strategy in competitive markets.

Flexible Tasks

1. Explain those key factors that influence pricing decisions for agro-based products
2. Explain how market trends and consumer demands/preferences impact marketing strategies
3. Are there benefits and non-benefits of direct-to-consumer marketing for farmers?
4. As a farmer, how can you effectively differentiate your products in a competitive market environment?
5. As a farmer, how does supply chain management impact in determining the final price of agro-products?

How 6 Best Post will be selected

For each weekly selection, my top 6 best posts would be selected based on the following criteria;

Description	Score
Post Quality	5
Markdown & Presentation	3
Compliance with guidelines	2
Total	10 Marks

These weekly topics are subject to change, given the participation and feedback. There are arrays of topics in view, yet untapped but friendly for assimilation and participation.

I hope to serve in a strong capacity if given this job at this time.

Kind Regards
@xkool24 (Telegram/Discord)

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