Question 4
(a) (i) Mention two forms in which specimen J could be preserved.
(ii) State three qualities of each of the preserved forms of specimen J mentioned in 4(a)(i). (8 marks)
(b) State three advantages of growing specimens J and K together on a pasture. (3 marks)
(c) List four management practices that could be adopted to improve a pasture on which specimens J and K are grown. (4 marks)
Observation
This question was poorly attempted by most candidates. The question sought to test candidates’ knowledge of pasture and forage crops as well as their preservation. The candidates’ response showed that majority of them did not know the forms in which guinea grass could be preserved as well as the qualities of hay and silage. Most candidates do not know benefits derived from growing specimens J (guinea grass) and K (Pueraria) together on a pasture as well as the management practices adopted to improve the pasture on which they are grown.
The expected answers include:
4( (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/acceptability
- Must be free from mould and slime
- Leaf to stem ratio must be high
- Acid 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 specimens J (Guinea grass) and K (Pueraria) together
- It ensures balanced ration/variety/nutrients
- The mixture forms a dense cover thereby protecting the soil from erosion
- The legumes improve the nitrogen status of the soil/nitrogen fixation
- The dense cover smoothers weed
- Improves acceptability of forage
- It reduces the risk of bloat
- Grass-legume hay is easily cured than pure legume
- It improves digestibility of forage
- Reduces evapo-transpiration/conserves soil water
- Improves soil structure/percolation/infiltration/aeration
(c) Management practices that could be be adopted to improve a pasture
- Reseeding - Irrigation
- Fertilizer application - Weed control
- Pest control - Fencing
- Controlled burning - Disease control
- Rational grazing/paddocking/strip grazing