(a) List four asexual methods of crop propagation. (b) Define the following terms: (i) mixed farming (ii) inter-cropping (iii) ley farming (c) State four advantages of each of mixed farming and inter-cropping.
Explanation
(a) Asexual Methods of Propagaion: (i) Budding (ii) Layering (iii) Cutting (iv) Grafting
(b)(i) Mixed Farming: This is a system of farming in which both crops and animals are raised on the same farm or piece of land. (ii) Inter Cropping: A practice of growing a minor crop with a major crop on the same piece of land and the minor crop s, harvested before the major crop. (iii) Ley Farming: This is the practice whereby a piece of farmland is alternatively cultivated with pasture crops and food crops.
(c) (i) Advantages of Mixed Farming: (i) The farmer is assured of regular income/employment throughout the year. (ii) The farmer feeds his animals with his crops or waste produce. (iii) the farmer is assured of protein needs of his family e.g. milk, eggs, meat. (iv) The faeces and urine of e animals can be used as organic manure. (v) It helps to reduce the failure of any single farm enterprise. (vi) Supply farm power by the animals. (vii) Optimal/maximal use of land. (ii) Advantages of Inter-cropping: (i) Enables some of the crops to serve as ground cover. (ii) Protects the soil from erosion and harmful effects of sunlight. (iii) Helps to check the growth of weeds which compete with plants for food. (iv) Helps the farmer to spread his harvest over the season and so ensure a regular supply of food. (v) Reduces the risk of crop failure. (vi) May reduce the, spread of pests. (vii) Optimal/maximal use of land. (yiii) May reduce the spread of diseases. (ix) Source of regular income. (x) Planting of legume adds nitrogen to soil.