Plants (Weeds)

Back to: Basic Science Primary 4

 

Welcome to class! 

In today’s class, we will be talking about weeds. Enjoy the class!

Weeds

Introduction

Anytime we plant, and it germinates, there are bound to be weeds growing alongside our plants. In the last lesson,  we learnt about planting and nurturing our plants, and we mentioned constant weeding i.e. not allowing our garden to be overridden with weeds. In this lesson, we will be studying weeds and how to control them.

Definition and identification of weeds

Generally, weeds are plants that grow where they are not planted or where they are not wanted. So, we can say that even if a plant is useful,  if it is not planted in a place and it starts to grow there,  then it can be classified as a weed.

For instance,  waterleaf is a vegetable used for making vegetable soup, most times it grows in gardens where other vegetables are planted. In those kinds of garden,  waterleaf has become a weed.

Activity

• Look around your garden and see if you can spot any weed.
• See if you recognise the weed or identify the weed.

Importance of weeds to farmers and the environment

1. Many weeds lend a hand to enhance the landscape
2. They provide nectar for bees.
3. They provide genetic material for plant improvement
4. Weeds provide meals and cover for animals.
5. Weeds play an important section in nutrient recycling.
6. Weeds supply a vegetative duvet that protects the soil surface in opposition to the erosive motion of rain and wind.

 Effects of weeds

1. The cost of controlling weeds is high.
2. Weeds can reduce the quality of harvested agricultural merchandise.
3. The presence of weeds can impede water flow in irrigation canals.
4. The presence of weeds imposes a restrict on farm size.

Controlling weeds

1. Do not leave room for them to grow
2. Maintain healthy fertile aerated soil.
3. Hoe the topsoil
4. Mulch garden beds
5. Cover the soil with landscape fabric
6. Use biological controls such as insects and animals

Evaluation

1. Mention three benefits of weeds to farmers
2. State two methods of controlling weeds

Assignment

1. Write Five effects of having weeds in our garden.

 

In our next class, we will be talking about Pests and Diseases of Crop Plants.  We hope you enjoyed the class.

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