(a)(i) Mention two forms in which specimen J (Guinea Grass) could be preserved.
(ii) State three qualities of each of the preserved forms of specimen J mentions in 4(a)(i)
(b) State three advantages of growing specimens J and K (Pueraria) together on a pasture.
(c) List four management practices that could be adopted to improve a pasture on which specimen J and K are grown.
Explanation
(a)(i) Forms of Preserving Specimen J (Guinea Grass);-Silage. -Hay.
(ii) Qualities of Silage; -It must be light pale green/greenish yellow. -Must have a mild pleasant aroma/fruity aroma/acceptibility. -Must be free from mould and slime. -Leaf to stem ratio must be high. -Acis content must be high enough/low pH/pH 4 - 4.5 to prevent further degradation. -It must be succulent.
Qualities of Hay; -Leaf proportion must be high. -Must retain a fairly green colour. -The forage should be cut before flowering. -Should be free from dust and moulds. -Must be free from weeds and poisonous herbs. -Should have a low moisture content/15 - 25% moisture.
(b) Advantages of Growing Specimen J (Guinea Grass) and K (Pueraria) Together; -It ensures balanced ration/variety/nutrients. -The mixture forms a dense cover therebyprotecting the soil from erosion. -The legumes improve the nitrogen status of the soil/notrogen fixation. -The dense cover smoothers weed. -Improve acceptability of forage . -It reduces the risk of bloat. -Grass-legumes hay is easily cured than pure legumes. It improes digestibility of faorage. -Reduces evapo-transpiration/conserves soil water. -Improves soil structurepercolation/infiltration.aeration.
(c) Management Practices that Could be Adopted to Improve a Pasture; - Rational grazing/paddocking/strip grazing. -Reseeding. -Irrigation. -Fertilizer application. -Weed control. -Pest control. -Fencing. -Avoid overgrazing or under grzing/controlled stocking. -Controlled burning. -Disese control