PLANT SCIENCE

These were the REQUIREMENTS before the changes made with
the release of a new merit badge pamphlet during 2005.

To see the current requirements Click Here

1. Explain the nature and function of the soil. Tell about its texture, structure, need for water, air, organic matter, and the relationship of plants to the soil. Tell how the soil may be improved. Select one soil type from your area. Describe it in relation to the above.
2. Describe how to prepare a seedbed for each of the crops in the options below. Submit a plan for planting an orchard crop. Describe the best type of site for such an orchard.
3. Make and use a germination seed tester to test 50 seeds of four of the following plants: corn, cotton, alfalfa, soybeans, clover, wheat, rice, rye, barley. Determine percent of live seeds.
4. Tell how to propagate plants by seeds, roots, cuttings, tubers, buds, and grafts.
5. Tell about one important insect pest and one important disease that damage each of the following: corn, small grains, cotton and fruit trees. Collect and name five weeds that damage crops in your locality. Tell how to control these without harming people, wildlife, or useful insects.
6. On a map of the United States indicate the chief regions where the crops listed in the options are produced. Indicate a leading state in production of each crop. Tell how climate and location of these states makes them leaders.
7. Tell about three career opportunities in crop production.
8. Complete ONE of the following options:

   CORN OPTION

   1. Grow a plot of corn. Record seed variety or experimental code number.
   2. Have your plot inspected by your counselor. Tell about modern methods of commercial corn farming.
   3. Tell about the contributions corn makes to today's food supply.

   COTTON OPTION

   1. Grow a plot of cotton.
   2. Have your plot inspected by your counselor. Tell about modern methods of commercial cotton farming.
   3. Tell how cotton is processed from the field to the finished product.

   FORAGE CROPS OPTION

   1. Collect and mount for display three samples of each: perennial grasses, annual grasses, legumes, and broadleaf weeds. Label each grass and legume, indicating what use is made of it. Label each weed. Tell where each is most likely to be found.
   2. Explain how legumes can be used to enrich the soil/ Tell how they may deplete it under certain conditions. Do the same for grasses.
   3. Describe five poisonous plants dangerous to livestock.
   4. Tell the different ways for using forage crops as feed for livestock.

   FRUIT AND NUTS OPTION

   1. Plant five fruit or nut trees, grapevines, or berry plants.
   2. Take full care of fruit or nut trees, grapevines, or berry plants through one crop season.
   3. Prune a tree, vine, or bush properly. Explain why pruning is necessary.
   4. Demonstrate how one fruit, nut or berry crop is processed for use.

   SMALL GRAINS OPTION

   1. Give production figures for the small-grain crops listed in the United States Statistical Report for the latest year available.
   2. Help in harvesting a crop of grain. Tell how to reduce harvesting losses.
   3. Visit a grain elevator, flour mill, cereal plant, feed or seed company. Talk with the operator. Take notes. Describe the processes used.

   OIL CROPS OPTION

   1. Grow a plot of soybeans.
   2. Have your plot inspected by your counselor.
   3. Tell about modern methods of soybean growing on a commercial scale.
   4. Tell of the contributions soybeans make to our food supply.

BSA Advancement ID#: 85
Pamphlet Revision Date: 1983
Requirements last revised prior to 1982