Welcome, friends! I am glad to be using my blog once again. Talking about agriculture is one habit I have developed since the creation of the community. I will be attending to the hints to the best of my knowledge. ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmWNQ6BhDzCLqDPiqsNHPt6pPQfrQzKn9eqT2rkm5uaxq7/image.png) ^{[source](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/confused-african-woman-raincoat-holding-plant_7815416.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=34&uuid=14f23ef6-6244-4d7f-b802-7b58f99141d6)} |

In your own words, what is photosynthesis, and what importance is it in agriculture?

|-| This is a word we started hearing from early school days during agriculture learning. Everything living has its way of feeding, and plants aren't an exception. They also have their own way, which process is called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process by which plants draw their own food from sunlight. Mostly, green plants are known to have a cycle of food sources. It is a biochemical process that entails light energy from sunlight that is used to convert water and CO² into organic compounds. We know that the oxygen we inhale as humans is what is exhaled in plants, and vice versa for co² as well. This process tells us the importance of light energy to the survival of our plants. Without ambiguity, this process helps plants to carry out respiration. Where exhale and inhale are seen to be adequately carried out (Carbondioxide (in) and Oxygen (out) Through photosynthesis, plants are able to feed and bear fruits. When they are nourished, they are able to stay healthy fruits/seeds, build cells, and well store their energy as starch. To preserve biodiversity and as well ensure food security is promoted, photosynthesis is required for plant growth. This is why it is important to plan where there is no shade, as most tree planting does well where there is direct access to sunlight. |

What are the key essential nutrients required by plants, and what role does each of them play in plant growth?

|-| We cannotnalso remove the fact that aside from the food source from sunlight, our plants also derive nutrients from the soil that help them grow. Most importantly, there are essential nutrients in the soil that help plants grow. They are **Nitrogen Phosphorus and Pottasium**. The plant may need others, but these are more essential. NPK is a plant nutrient combination that has been considered essential to the growth and health of our plants. This is evident in our fertilizer mix, where we mostly see the NPK 10,10,10, or NPK 15:15:15. These are commonly used rations that help fertilize the soil for plant growth. The "Nitrogen" is a plant nutrient that helps build up and produce better plant leaves. Let's remember that a better plant leaves mean that they can easily and efficiently carry out photosynthesis. The "Phosphorus" primary helps in plant essential parts like buds, roots, flowers, and fruits/seeds. A vital nutrient for plants. Have you wondered why some plants with good leaves do not flower or produce good fruits. This is the cause. Potassium is the last in the essential nutrients that help in the entire plant health. Sustaining what the other two nutrients have out in place is also essential, hence the importance of potassium. ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmb4FmhGvBay3pFWifgXywB42SPcuMLrWqhxpYXxGamaGr/image.png) ^{[source](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/full-frame-various-fresh-leafy-vegetable-sale_5022957.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=2&uuid=8e3b5b8f-3f0e-4736-a7e7-e77607487f31)} |

Briefly explain this terminologies; ¹"mixed farming" and ²"crop rotation."

|-| ##### Mixed Farming This is a type of farming system that is predominant in our region. A situation where farmers grow more than one crop in their farmland. Crops grown are usually crops that have different soil nutrient intake, plantable crops due to seasons, and crops with different harvest times. ##### Crop Rotation This is a farming practice that is generally acceptable because of its importance in the sector. Crop rotation is a practice that allows specific crop types to be planted seasonally and alternatively. This is for the purpose of conserving soil nutrients and quick overall recovery of soil structure and texture. It is another way we can say that biodiversity could be improved upon and its sustainability put in place. ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmNykL4rkVL45STP1E6Xmi6CWT7bCPPDzuPnQaovcTaf6Y/image.png) ^{[source](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/local-vendor-placing-crates-with-freshly-harvested-fruits-grocery-store_214462473.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=14&uuid=4074d06a-d94d-4076-b015-bf842f1319e0)} |

Explain three (3) roles of agriculture in your country.

|-| ##### Job Creation/ Employment Agriculture helps put jobs in place. This is one sector that has not been properly harnessed in my country. If well developed and harnessed, each vzlue chain should be able to create thousands of jobs considering the population size. ##### Food Security Everyone depends on food for survival. Agriculture is one way malnutrition, hunger, and starvation are adverted globally. It is one of the basic needs of humans, and this can only be achieved through agricultural activities. ##### Promote Social Bonding There are many agricultural products that are symbolic in our socio-cultural activities to date. We have the new yam festival that is celebrated across my region during the month of August. It is one big festival where traditional leaders are gathered to proclaim open the use of yam for another new year. This is my entry. I'm inviting @chilaw, @eveetim, @chant