(a) (i) identify specimens A(Clayey soil) and B(Sandy soil) by the feel method. [2 marks]
(ii) Name two crops that would thrive well on each of specimens A and B. [2marks]
(iii) Mention three ways by which specimen B can be improved. (3 marks]
(b) (i) identify specimens C and D. (2 marks]
(ii) State three non-ways in which specimen C is important in crop production. [3 marks]
(iii) State three uses of specimen B in agriculture. [3 marks]
Explanation
(a)(i) Identification of Specimens A and B by the feel method:
- Specimens: A- Clayey Soill Clay.
- B-Sandy Soil/Sand.
(ii) Crops that would thrive well on each of Specimens A and B:
- Specimen A (Clayey soil): - Rice- Mango - Citrus - Rubber - Sugar cane - Cocoa -Oil palm -Potatoes -Cabbage.
- Specimen B (Sandy soil): Pineapple- Cashew - Kenaf- Jule- Pigeon -Cowpea - Coconut -Guinea corn-mEggplant -Cassava
(ii) Ways by which Specimen B(Sandy soil) can be improved:
- Application of Io compost/farmyard manure.
- Mulching
- Planting of cover crops/cover cropping
- Liming
- Application of inorganic fertilizer
- Bush fallowing
- Irrigation
- Addition of clay
(b)(i) identification of Specimens C and D
- Specimens C- Millipede
- D -Cow dung
(ii) Ways in which Specimen C (Millipede) is important in crop production
- Helps to improve soil structure.
- Helps in the breakdown of organic matter.
- Improves/enhance soil aeration.
- Adds organic matter/nutrients to the soil through defecation and decay.
- Enhances cation exchange capacity of the soil.
- Improves water percolation.
(iii) Uses of Specimens D (Cow dung) in agriculture.
- To improve sandy soil/ improve soil structure/holding soil particles together.
- Added to the soil to supply plant nutrients/improves soil fertility.
- For making compost/farmyard manure.
- Used to generate biogas/fuel.
- To fertilize fish ponds.
- Ingredient for making mud bricks.
- For coating the floor in mud houses/structures on the farm.
- Burnt to repel mosquitoes on the farm.
- Improves water holding capacity of soils.
- Enhances the activities of soil microorganisms.