Observation

 

1. Few candidates could explain staking, hardening off, earthing up and supplying.
2. Question 3 (b) was poorly attempted as majority of the candidates could not determine the area of the farmland illustrated.

Many candidates misinterpreted Question 3(c) by mentioning the advantages of the battery cage system instead of its features

The expected answers include:
4. (a)    Explanation of terms used in crop production

• Staking
• This involves the provision of any form of artificial support for plants to grow on
• Long poles/rods/sticks are used as supports for the plant stem
• The vines are trained to climb up the stake

 

• Hardening off
• This is a practice whereby seedlings are prepared for transplanting to the field by exposing them to harsh environmental conditions
• To enable them cope with field stress when transplanted

 

• This is the process of gradually exposing the seedlings to sun, wind and rain to toughen them
• Hardening off reduces transplanting shock                                                                       
• Earthing up
• This is the act of gathering soil in heaps around the base of crops plants
• This improves crop stability in windy weather
• Protect exposure of roots/tubers

                                                                              

• Supplying
• This is the act of re-planting seeds at spots where seeds fail to germinate after planting or when seedlings die soon after germination

This is the act of replacing seedlings at spots where seedlings die after transplanting 

 

(b )Calculation of area of farmland

       

            a=200m           b=400m           h=100m

 

 

 

(c)   Features of the battery cage system in the management of layers

• Eggs are laid in the cages
• It is an intensive method 
• Cages are made of galvanized iron
• Floor of cage slopes down to allow eggs to roll down as soon as they are laid out of reach of birds to prevent pecking
• Floor of the cages have holes through which the droppings can pass
• Cages can be one, two or three tiers
• Feed and water troughs are provided outside the cages
• Layers are kept in individual cages
• Designed for commercial egg production