(a) What is farm surveying? (2 marks)
(b) State four disadvantages of electrical power.
(c) Give four reasons why farm machines should be maintained. [ 4 marks)
(d) Define the term land as used in agriculture.
(e) Explain briefly how each of the following factors affects land availability for agriculture: (i) Population pressure; (ii) Mining; (iii) Topography [6 marks]
Explanation
(a) Meaning of farm surveying: It is defined as the process of measuring and mapping out the position, topography, size and boundary of an area of farmland
(b) Disadvantages of Electrical Power
-Could be dangerous if carelessly handled
- The cost of generating electricity is high
- Maintenance cost is high
- Power fluctuations may lead to damage of farm equipment/fire hazards
- Supply of electricity could be erratic
- It cannot be widely used in field operations.
(c) Reasons why farm machines should be maintained
To prolong the life span of the machines, To avoid accidents during farm operations, To ensure good efficient functioning of the machines, To enhance salvage value of farm machines/ reduce depreciation of farm machines/to reduce rusting, To avoid frequent breakdown of farm machines
(d) Definition of land as used in agriculture Land refers to the surface of the earth and all natural resources both on the surface and underneath is OR Land is a free gift of nature which is used in production e.g. soil, pond, range land, river, sea, virgin forest.
(e) Explanation of how factors affect land availability for agriculture
(i) Population pressure:
- This increases the demand for land for construction of houses, roads and other infrastructure
- Increases demand for land for social amenities BS such as schools, hospitals, religious and recreational activities
(ii) Mining:
- Extraction of minerals such as gold, limestone etc. reduce land availability for agriculture
- Waste produced by mining industries if not properly disposed make land unsuitable for agriculture
(iii) Topography:
- Gentle slopes/flat lands are suitable for agricultural purposes since they are less prone to erosion
- Slopes or undulating lands are not suitable for agriculture as much cost will be incurred in controlling erosion