(a) What class of manure do each of specimens A (POULTRY DROPPINGS) and B (N-P-K 15-15-15) belong to? [2 marks]
(b) List three characteristics of each of specimens A and B. [6 marks]
(c) List two precautions to be observed when applying each of specimens A and B. [4 marks]
(d) State which of the specimens is recommended to improve clay soil. Give two reasons for your answer. (3 marks]
Explanation
(a) Class of Manure:
- Specimen A; -Organic manure
- Specimen B - Inorganic manure
b) Characteristics of;
specimen A (Poultry droppings)
- it is bulky .
- Rick in micro-organisms .
- Contains many plant nutrients/improves soil fertility
- The nutrient concentrations are fairly low
- Capable of binding soil particles together / improves soil structure
- Has a bad smell Improves soil temperature
- It is structureless/amorphous
- Tends to be neutral in reaction
- Low availability of nutrients
- Nutrients not easily leached/lasts longer in the soil Reduces soil erosion by improving soil structure
- Variable nutrient concentration
Specimen B (N-P-K 5-15);
- Granular in structure
- Has pungent smell
- Contains only few mineral nutrients
- The concentrations of these nutrients are high
- The nutrients are fixed in definite proportion
- Not bulky in nature
- Easily leached; does not last long in the soil
- Does not reduce soil erosion
- Nutrients are readily available
- Hygroscopic
(c) Precautions to take when applying:
Specimen A (poultry droppings) -
- Should not be applied when fresh to crops on the field
- Must not be allowed to touch the plants
- Should cure properly before application/fully decomposed before applying
- Wash hands immediately after application
- Wear protective clothing
- Should be applied when soil is wet
Specimen B (N-P-K 15-15-15) -
- Do not allow direct contact with the plant
- Do not apply when the soil is very dry
- When applying manually always wear gloves
- Wash hands immediately after application
- Do not apply to alkaline soils
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when applying the fertilizers
- Remove all ornamentals from the body
- Do soil test to know deficient nutrients before applying
(d) Specimen recommended to improve clay soil is - Specimen A (Poultry droppings)
Reasons:
- It binds clayey particles together thus opening up / enlarging the pores
- lt improves water percolation
- lt improves aeration
- It improves soil fertility
- It improves oil drainage
- lt will improve soil temperature in clay soils
- It will enhance the release of locked nutrients and make them more available.