(a) Explain each of the following terms; (i) farmstead (ii) secondary tillage. [4 marks]
(b) State one function of each of the following parts of a mouldboard plough: (i) hitch; (ii) furrow wheel; (iii} disc coulter; (iv) plough share; (v) mouldboard. [5 marks]
(c) Describe one natural process that takes carbon away from the atmosphere. [2 marks]
(d) Outline three ways of replenishing plant nutrients in the soil. [3 marks]
(e) State two deficiency symptoms of calcium in crops. [2 marks]
(f) List four soil organisms. [2 marks]
Explanation
(a)Explanation of the terms:
(i) Farmstead: Farmstead refers to a farm house and all its production and processing structures. OR 4 Farmstead is the farmer's dwelling place and production centre.
(ii) Secondary tillage: This involves breaking/loosening/pulverizing soil clods it obtain a fine tilth with the aid of implements such as barrow, ridger, cultivator etc.
(b) Function of tile parts of a mouldboard plough:
(i) Hitch -serves as the point of attachment to the tractor/work animal.
(ii) Furrow wheel
- Used for stabilising the rear end of the plough.
- Guides the direction of the plough and mouldboard.
(iii) Disc coulter:
- makes vertical cut/furrow in soil ahead of the plough.
(iv) Plough share:
- provides the cutting edge for the mouldboard plough.
-makes horizontal soil cuts.
(v) Mouldboard:
-used for the inversion of furrow slice/weeds.
(c) Description of natural process that takes carbon from the atmosphere:
- The process is photosynthesis.
- It is the process whereby green plants make use of carhon(iv)oxide and water to manufacture their food using the energy derived from the sun.
(d) Ways of replenishing plant nutrients in the soil:
- Liming
- Fallowing
- Cover cropping
- Crop rotation
- Organic manuring
-Application of inorganic fertilizer.
(e) Defficiency symptoms of calcium in crops:
- Stunting of die root system
- Weak slender plants.
- Appearance of pale yellow colour in leaves.
- Death of terminal buds
- Leaf tips become gelatinous.
(f) Soil organisms:
- Earthworms
- Nematodes
-Millipedes
- Bacteria
- Termites
- Fungi
-Centipedes
- Crickets Soldier ants.