CPS301 — Arable Crops Production: Lecture Note

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LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course code: CPS 301 Course title: Arable Crops Production Course credit load: 2 Units Series 1: Origin, Distribution, and Environmental Requirements of Arable Crops Part 1.1 Origin of Arable Crops 1.1.1 Historical background of arable crops 1.1.2 Centres of origin and domestication 1.1.3 Global and Nigerian perspectives on crop origin Part 1.2 Distribution of Arable Crops 1.2.1 Global distribution patterns 1.2.2 Regional distribution in Nigeria 1.2.3 Factors influencing distribution Part 1.3 Soil Requirements of Arable Crops 1.3.1 Soil types suitable for cereals, legumes, and root crops 1.3.2 Soil fertility and management practices 1.3.3 Constraints related to soil conditions Part 1.4 Climatic Requirements of Arable Crops 1.4.1 Temperature needs of major crop groups 1.4.2 Rainfall and water requirements 1.4.3 Influence of photoperiod and other climatic factors Introduction

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Arable crops form the backbone of food production systems in Nigeria and across the world. Their successful cultivation depends not only on farming practices but also on understanding where these crops originated, how they are distributed, and the environmental conditions they require. By studying these aspects, you will appreciate the diversity of crops and the reasons why certain crops thrive in particular regions. The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the origin, distribution, and environmental requirements of arable crops, equipping you with the knowledge to analyse crop suitability and production potential in different contexts. We shall commence this Series by examining the origin of arable crops, including their historical background and centres of domestication. Next, we will explore their distribution patterns globally and within Nigeria, considering the factors that influence where crops are grown. Following that, we will study the soil requirements of major crop groups, focusing on fertility and management practices. Finally, we will wrap up by analysing the climatic requirements of arable crops, including temperature, rainfall, and photoperiod influences. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: SLO 1.1 Define the concept of crop origin and describe the historical background of arable crops. SLO 1.2 Explain centres of origin and domestication of major arable crops. SLO 1.3 Analyse global and Nigerian perspectives on crop origin. SLO 1.4 Describe global distribution patterns of arable crops. SLO 1.5 Explain regional distribution of arable crops in Nigeria. SLO 1.6 Evaluate factors influencing the distribution of arable crops. SLO 1.7 Identify soil types suitable for cereals, legumes, and root crops. SLO 1.8 Explain soil fertility requirements and management practices for arable crops. SLO 1.9 Analyse constraints related to soil conditions in crop production.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS SLO 1.10 Describe temperature requirements of major crop groups. SLO 1.11 Explain rainfall and water requirements of arable crops. SLO 1.12 Evaluate the influence of photoperiod and other climatic factors on crop growth. 1.1 Origin of Arable Crops 1.1.1 Historical background of arable crops The origin of arable crops refers to the geographical and historical beginnings of cultivated plants. Early humans transitioned from hunting and gathering to farming by domesticating wild plants that provided food, fibre, and other essentials. This shift marked the beginning of agriculture and laid the foundation for settled communities. The domestication of crops was influenced by trial and error, as people selected plants with desirable traits such as higher yields, better taste, or easier storage. Over time, these plants became distinct from their wild relatives. Fill-in-the-blank: The origin of arable crops refers to the geographical and ______ beginnings of cultivated plants.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Figure 1.1 Historical background of arable crops 1.1.2 Centres of origin and domestication The concept of centres of origin was introduced by the Russian scientist Nikolai Vavilov, who identified regions where major crops were first domesticated. These centres include areas such as the Fertile Crescent for wheat and barley, Mesoamerica for maize, and West Africa for yam. A centre of domestication is a region where a crop was first cultivated and diversified. These centres are important because they provide genetic diversity that can be used for crop improvement. Fill-in-the-blank: Centres of origin are regions where major crops were first ______.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Plate 1.1 Centres of origin and domestication of crops 1.1.3 Global and Nigerian perspectives on crop origin Globally, crops such as rice, maize, and wheat dominate food systems, each with distinct centres of origin. For example, rice originated in Asia, maize in Central America, and wheat in the Middle East. These crops have spread worldwide due to their adaptability and importance in diets. In Nigeria, crops like yam, cowpea, and sorghum have local origins and remain central to food security. Nigeria is recognised as a centre of diversity for yam and cowpea, meaning these crops have been cultivated and improved over centuries within the region. Fill-in-the-blank: Nigeria is recognised as a centre of diversity for ______ and cowpea.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Box 1.1 Global and Nigerian perspectives on crop origin Crop Category Specific Crop Center of Origin / Primary Region Global Staples Maize (Zea mays) Mesoamerica (Central Mexico) Wheat (Triticum aestivum) The Fertile Crescent (Near East/Middle East) Rice (Oryza sativa) Southeast Asia / China (Yangtze River basin) Nigerian/West African Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) West Africa (The "Yam Belt" including Nigeria) Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) West Africa (Nigeria is the world's largest producer) Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Northeastern Africa/Sahel (widely diversified in Nigeria) African Rice (Oryza glaberrima) Inland Delta of the Niger River (Mali/Nigeria) Pilot questions 1.1 Define the origin of arable crops. State one reason why domestication of crops was important in human history. Mention one centre of origin identified by Vavilov. Identify one crop with Nigerian origin.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Explain why centres of origin are important for crop improvement. 1.2 Distribution of Arable Crops 1.2.1 Global distribution patterns The distribution of arable crops refers to how cultivated plants are spread across different regions of the world. This distribution is influenced by environmental conditions, cultural preferences, and economic factors. For example, wheat dominates temperate regions, rice thrives in Asia’s humid tropics, and maize is widely grown in the Americas and Africa. Fill-in-the-blank: Wheat dominates temperate regions, rice thrives in Asia, and ______ is widely grown in Africa. Figure 1.2 Global distribution of arable crops 1.2.2 Regional distribution in Nigeria Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones support a wide range of crops. Cereals such as sorghum and millet are common in the northern savannah, while root crops

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