Agriculture Paper 1 Questions and Answers - Form 4 Term 2 Opener Exams 2023

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CRE Paper 2 Questions and Answers - Form 4 Term 2 Opener Exams 2023

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Agriculture Paper 2 Questions - Form 4 Term 2 Opener Exams 2023

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QUESTIONS

State two ways in which agriculture contributes directly to the development of Industries. (1mk)
1. Why is it necessary to cultivate land before planting? (2mks)
2. Give four advantages of mechanizing seedbed. (2mks)
Explain the following terms as used in crop production. (11/2mks)
State four factors which determine the depth of ploughing. (2mks)
State four factors that determine the spacing of annual crop. (2mks)
State four deficiency symptoms of phosphorous in crop. (2mks)
1. List two factors that are considered when selecting planting material. (1mk)
2. Distinguish between seed dressing and seed inoculation. (1mk)
3. Give two reasons why care must be taken not to injure the crop during pruning. (1mk)
1. State three advantages of drip irrigation in a farm. (11/2mks)
2. Give any three methods of storing water in the farm. (11/2mks)
State four characteristics of a good root stock for grafting. (2mks)
1. Differentiate between a seedbed and a seedling bed. (1mk)
2. State three factors considered in sitting a nursery bed. (11/2mks)
3. How can damping off disease be controlled in a vegetable nursery? (1mk)
1. What is soil texture? (½mks)
2. State three properties of soil that are influenced by the parent material. (1½mks)
3. Name a physiological disease in tomato crop. (½mks)
Name two pruning system in coffee. (1mk)
State two advantages of using tissue culture in crop propagation. (1mk)
Give three advantages of using vegetative propagation in crop production. (1½mks)

SECTION B

A farmer was advised to apply 40kg of P₂O₅per hectare of maize at planting time. The phosphatic fertilizer available was single super phosphate 20% P₂O₅.
1. Calculate how much single super phosphate fertilizer he should apply in two acres. (2mks)
2. Why is it advisable to apply phosphatic at planting? (1mk)
Study the diagram below of a soil profile and answer the questions that follows:-
1. Name the Horizon labeled A,B,C, & D (4mks)
2. What does the term transition zone refers to in soil profile?
3. State three distinct features of Horizon B. (3mks)
4. How does the soil profile above help in determining the type of crop to be grown in an area? (2mks)
Study the illustrations below and answer the questions that follows:-
1. Name the propagation methods labeled A,B & C. (3mks)
2. Name any two crops propagated by Method C. (2mks)
3. Name any two tools/ materials used in carrying out methods B. (2mks)

SECTION C (40 MKS)

1. Describe the preparation of a vegetable nursery bed. (10mks)
2. Describe the procedure of transplanting vegetable seedling. (10mks)
1. Explain the factors that determine the time of harvesting the crop produce. (10mks)
2. Explain the various post – harvest practices done on the crop produce after harvesting. (10mks)
Describe the production of tomatoes under the following sub – headings;-
1. Ecological requirement. (4mks)
2. Seedbed preparation and planting. (6mks)
3. Field management practices. (7mks)
4. Harvesting. (3mks)

MARKING SCHEME

State two ways in which agriculture contributes directly to the Development of Industries.
- Source of raw material for industries.
- Provision of market for industrial goods.
- Source of food for labour in industries
- Income from export of agricultural products is used to set up industries
1. Why is it necessary to cultivate land before planting?
  - To kill weeds.
  - To incorporate manure and other organic matter.
  - To destroy different stages of crop pests.
  - To aerate the soil.
  - To encourage the penetration of roots in soil.
  - To make subsequent operation possible.
  - To encourage water infiltration.
2. Give four advantages of mechanizing seedbed. Makes the operation to be timely.
  - It is less labourious.
  - It accomplishes the work efficiently.
  - It is cheaper per unit work done in large operation.
  - Can perform more heavy tasks than human labour.
1. Explain the following terms as used in Crop Production:-
  - Threshing: Removal of seeds of pulses and cereal from pods and grains head respectively.
  - Shelling: Removal of maize grains from cobs by use of maize shellers.
  - Trellising: Practice of providing support of crops with vines using wire e.g. passion fruits.
State four factors which determine the depth of ploughing.
- Soil type.
- Soil moisture content.
- Size of the seed.
- Type of germination.
State four factors that determine the spacing of an annual crop.
- Type of machinery used.
- Soil fertility.
- Size of the plant.
- Moisture availability.
- Use of the crop.
- Pest and disease control.
- Growth habit
State four deficiency symptoms of phosphorous in crops.
- Production of anthocyanin i.e. purplish colour in plant.
- Stunted growth.
- Poor root development.
- Inhibited fruit and seed formation.
1. List two factors that are considered when selecting planting materials.
  - Suitability to the ecological condition.
  - Purity of the materials.
  - Germination percentage.
  - Certified seeds.
2. Distinguish between seed dressing and seed inoculation.
  - Seed inoculation coating the legume seeds with right strain of Rhizobium to nodulation. (1⁄2 x 2 = 1mk)
3. Give two reasons why care must be taken not to injure the crop during pruning.
  - Production is lowered as it tries to heal the wound.
  - Cut surface may become entry points of diseases causing organism. (Any 2 x = Imk)
1. State three advantages of drip irrigation in a farm.
  - Little amount of water is required.
  - Water under low pressure can be used.
  - It discourages fungal diseases such as blight.
  - It does not encourage the growth of weeds between the rows.
2. Give any three methods of storing water in the farm.
  - Water tanks
  - Dams
  - Weirs
  - Ponds
State four characteristics of a good root stock for grafting.
- Tolerate to drought.
- Resistant to soil borne diseases.
- Compatible with the scion.
- Deep rooted.
1. Differentiate between a Seedbed and a seedling bed.
  - Seedbed-prepared piece of land used for raising crops.
  - Seedling bed type of nursery bed used for excess seedlings which have been removed from the nursery bed due to overcrowding.
2. State three factors considered in siting a nursery bed.
  - Nearness to source of water.
  - Sheltered site.
  - Leveled ground.
  - Fertile and well drained soil.
  - Nearness to the planting field.
  - Secure place.
3. How can damping off disease be controlled in a vegetable nursery?
  - Reduce frequency of watering.
  - Observe nursery hygiene.
  - Routine fungal spray.
  - Practice thinning to reduce overcrowding.
1. What is soil texture?
  - Refers to relative proportions of soil particles in a sample of soil/coarseness of fineness of a soil when felt between the fingers.
2. State three properties of soil that are influenced by the parent material.
  - Soil nutrient status.
  - Soil physical properties.
  - Soil colour.
3. Name a Physiological disease in tomato crop.
  - Blossom end rot.
Name two pruning system in coffee.
- Single stem pruning system.
- Multiple stem pruning system.
State two advantages of using tissue culture in crop propagation.
- Establishes nathogen-free plants.
- Mature faster than those from seeds.
- Easier and faster i.e. does not show dormancy.
- Facilitate propagation of seedless crops.
- Show uniformity such as disease resistance, seed, size, colour.
- Possible to produce many varieties of compatible crops on the same root stock.
A farmer was advised to apply 40kg of P₂O₅ per hectare of maize at planting time. The phosphatic fertilizer available was single super phosphate containing 20% P₂O₅
1. Calculate how much single super phosphate fertilizer he should apply in two acres20 kgs P₂O₅ contained in 100kg single super phosphate.
  - 40kgs P₂O₅ = 40/20 x 100 x 2 √(1 mk)
    =400kgs
2. Why is it advisable to apply phosphatic fertilizer at planting?
  - For seedling root development.
  - It is slightly soluble in soil moisture thus requires near root zone.
Study the diagram below of a soil profile and answer the questions that follows:-
1. Name the Horizons labeled A, B, C & D.
  - A-Top Soil
  - B-Sub Soil
  - C-Weathered Rock
  - D-Bedrock
2. What does the term transition zone refers to in a soil profile?
  - A merging zone between two horizontal layers in which one horizon gives rise to another.
3. State three distinct features of Horizon B.
  - Layer of nutrient accumulation.
  - Layer of clay pan.
  - Light coloured.
  - Low organic matter content.
4. How does the soil profile above help in determining the type of crop to be grown in an area?
  - Deeper profile suit deep rooted crops.
  - Deeper profile encourages high water infiltration thus reducing soil erosion.
  - Deeper profile has larger soil volume hence more nutrients.
  - Deeper profile has higher water retention.
Study the illustrations below and answer the questions that follows:-
1. Name the propagation methods labeled A, B and C.
  - A-Side grafting.
  - B-Whip/tongue grafting.
  - C-Budding
2. Name any two crops propagated by Method C.
  - Pear; Plum
  - Orange, Lemon
3. Name any two tools/materials used in carrying out method B.
  - Grafting Knife
  - Grafting Tape
  - Grafting Wax
  - Water
1. Describe the Preparation of a vegetable nursery bed.
  - Clear the site for nursery preparation.
  - Carry out primary cultivation/plough deeply.
  - Eradicate rhizomatous root systems/ eradicate perennial weeds.
  - Carry out secondary cultivation/harrow to fine tilth.
  - Use a rake to remove trash on the nursery bed.
  - Incorporate organic manure/improve on the soil texture.
  - Determine the extent of the bed.
  - Ensure the nursery beds run in an East-West direction.
  - Place timber boards on the sides / carry out soil and water conservation measures.
  - Raise the shade/make shade material available.
  - Provide mulch material.
2. Describe the procedure of transplanting vegetable seedlings.
  - Transplant late in the evening/ during cold weather.
  - Thoroughly water the seedling in nursery bed.
  - Apply phosphatic fertilizer in the hole and thorough mix with the soil in the holes.
  - Dig out the seedling from the nursery bed with the aid of soil auger.
  - Ensure each seedling root system has a ball of soil.
  - Place gently each seedling root system in the transplanting hole.
  - Cover the roots gently with soil firming it at the top.
  - Apply pesticide at base.
  - Water each seedling.
  - Apply mulch over entire seedbed.
  - Shade individual seedlings.
1. Explain the factors that determine the time of harvesting the crop produce.
  - Moisture content of the produce: Grains and pulses should be dry.
  - Colour of leaves/fruits/grains: change in colour/pale or brown fruits.
  - Intended use of the produce/market demand/ taste and preference of the consumer.
  - The nutrient concentration in the produce:
  - Harvest when quality of produce is highest.
  - Outbreak of pest/ disease in crops:
  - Harvesting done early to avoid damage.
  - Escape losses from prevailing weather: Harvesting done early if rain is likely to occur.
    (Award Imk for naming factor and Imk for correct explanation) (Any 2 x 5-10mks)
2. Explain the various post-harvest practices done on the crop produce after harvesting.
  - Drying: Grains, pulses, pyrethrum flowers e.t.c. are dried to low moisture content (11-13%).
  - Threshing/Shelling: Removal of seed or grain from pods, cobs etc.
  - Winnowing: Removal of Chaff from the grain or seeds.
  - Seed dressing: Dusting the seed or grain with appropriate pesticides to prevent attack.
  - Sorting: putting the produce in grades according to quality.
Describe the production of tomatoes under the following sub-headings:-
1. Ecological requirement.
  - Warm temperatures are ideal.
  - Attitude: 0-1200m above sea level.
  - Well distributed rainfall during the season.
  - 760-1300mm rainfall per annum.
  - Free draining fertile loam soil.
2. Seedbed Preparation and Planting.
  - Clear bushes and remove stumps.
  - Plough and harrow/till with fork jembe to medium tilth.
  - Remove all perennial weeds.
  - Ensure that the land has no solanacae family for 3 years to prevent diseases and pest.
  - Dig hole 15cm deep.
  - Space the hole at 00cm x 60cm
  - Water the nursery thoroughly before uprooting.
  - Lift seedlings with as much soil attached to the root.
3. Field Management practices.
  - Water seedlings especially in dry weather.
  - Place thin mulch round seedling.
  - Plant soodling at the same depth it was in the nursery.
  - Gapping should be done as soon as the seedling dries up.
  - Keep the field clear of weed by cultivation.
  - Top dress with C.A.N. or ASN when seedling are 25-30cm tall at the rate of 20kg N/ha or 100kg CAN/ha.
  - Staking allows plants to grow upright to control blight, dirt and pests.
  - Prune tomatoes such that only one to two stem grow.
  - In tall varieties cap stems at 1.5-1.8m high.
  - Control pests such as American Bollworm, Aphids, Cutworms and nematodes using appropriate method.
  - Control diseases using appropriate methods.
  - Control blight by routinely spraying copper fungicides every 2 weeks.
  - Control bacterial blight by using certified seeds and practicing crop rotation.
  - Control blossom end rot by ensuring that soil has plenty of calcium.
4. Harvesting.
  - Mature at 3¹/₂ months.
  - Pick fruits for fresh market when reddish colour start to appear.
  - Pick fully ripe fruits for canning purpose.
  - Pack fruit in wooden crates when transporting to prevent damage to fruits.
  - Expected yield at 75+ per hectare.