(a) Explain each of the following cropping systems: (i) monocropping; (ii) mixed cropping; (iii) mixed farming (iv) crop rotation.
(b) A crop farmer observed that the leaves of the orange plants on the farm turned purple with most of the immature fruits dropping. (i) ldentify the nutrient deficient in the orange plants. (ii) List four inorganic fertilizers that could correct the nutrient deficiency observed in the orange plants.
(c) Name five materials that could be used to attract bees to a new beehive.
Explanation
(i) Monocropping - This is the cultivation of only one type of crop on a piece of land at a given time -The crop is harvested before another crop is planted - The soil nutrients for the crop may be exhausted.
(ii) Mixed cropping - This refers to the cultivation of two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land at the same time - Guards against crop failure - Ensures effective use of soil nutrients - It is practised where land is scarce
(iii) Mixed farming -This refers to the cultivation of crops and rearing of farm animals on the same piece of land at the same time. - Reduces cost of production -Crop residues serve as feed for farm animals. - Animal dung serves as organic manure for the crops.
(iv) Crop rotation - This is the cultivation of different crops on the same piece of land in a definite sequence from year to year. - Improves soil fertility - Checks pests and disease
(b)(i) Nutrient-deficient in the orange plants - Phosphorus
(ii) Inorganic fertilizers that could correct phosphorus deficiency observed in the orange plants.
-Basic slag
-Ammonium polyphosphate liquid
-Dicalciuim phosphate
-NPK fertilizer
-Diammouium phosphate
-Mono-ammonium phosphate
-Single superphosphate
-Rock phosphate
-Triple superphosphate
(c) Materials that could be used to attract bees to a new beehive - Raffia wine -Locust beans - Honey bee, wax - mango juice - Cocoa beans juice - Propolis - Pineapple juice - Molasses - Pheromone lures - Sugar - Palm wine/sweet syrup - Lemon grass/ essential oil - Bait hive/swam trap - Old frame with bee comb - Quercetin chemicals - Dry cassava flour