(a) What is land? [1 mark] (b) Mention six uses of land [6 marks] (c) State four ways through which an agricultural land may appreciate in value [4 marks] (d) State five benefits derived from soil organisms in agriculture [5 marks]
Explanation
(a) (i) Land can be defined as the upper most part of the earth surface on which plants grow. (ii) It is a factor of agricultural production. (iii) Land is immobile and limited in supply. It is a free gift of nature.
(b) Land is used for: (i) farming (crops, animals and fish farming) (ii) forestry (iii) wild conservation (iv) construction of roads and bridges, railways, airports, sea ports and harbours for produce movement (v) building social centre and health centres for farmers (vi) tourist centres such as zoos, recreational centers and sports (vii) construction of houses (farmsteads). agro-industries (viii) for cemetery (ix) mining (x) educational purposes (xi) religious purposes (xii) for markets.
(c) Farmland may appreciate in value through the following ways: (i) fertilization, manuring and liming (ii) reclamation and drainage (iii) fallowing (iv) proper cultivation methods e.g. crop rotation (v) control of erosion (vi) irrigation (vii) rotational grazing.
(d) Benefits of soil organisms in agriculture are: (i) It decomposes organic matter. (ii) Some are beneficial and add nutrients to the soil. (iii) helps in mixing up top soils with sub soil. (iv) It improves soil aeration. (v) It improves soil structure. (vi) It improves water infiltration. (vii) It is a source of nutrients to the soil when dead and decay. (viii) It is essential for soil formation e.g. termites.