Observation

• Only few candidates were able to explain the cropping systems in Question 2(a). Most candidates only defined the cropping systems; thus losing marks.
•  Although many candidates were able to identify the nutrient deficient in the orange plants, only few could list the inorganic fertilizers that could correct phosphorus deficiency in orange plants. Majority of them were mentioning nitrogenous fertilizers.
• Many candidates had difficulty in naming materials that could be used to attract bees to a new bee hive.

The expected answers include:

2. (a)   Explanation of the following cropping systems

           (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

(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
• Dicalcium phosphate                             -      NPK fertilizer
• Diammonium 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
-   Cocoa beans juice               -   Pineapple juice                   -   Mango juice
-   Palm wine/sweet syrup       -   Lemon grass essential oil   -   Propolis
-   Bait hive/swam trap            -   Molasses                             -   Pheromone lures
-   Old frame with bee comb   -   Quercetin chemicals          
-   Dry cassava flour                -   Sugar