Question 2
The diagrams below illustrate some farm implements. Study them and answer the questions that follow.
(a) Identify each of the illustrated farm implements. (2 marks)
(b) Give two structural differences between the illustrated farm implements. (2 marks)
(c) State three uses each of the illustrated implements. (6 marks)
(d) State one advantage of using the illustrated implements on tropical soils. (1 mark)
(e) Mention four ways of maintaining the illustrated implements. (4 marks)
Observation
Many candidates were able to identify the disc plough and ridger, their uses as well as
ways of maintaining them. However, most candidates could not state the structural
differences between the two implements.
The expected answers include:
- (a) Identification of farm the implements
I – Disc plough
II – Disc harrow
(b) Structural differences between the farm implements
I (Disc plough) |
II (Disc harrow) |
- Discs are fewer in number |
- Discs are many in number |
- Discs are spaced far apart |
- Discs are spaced closer together |
- A common shaft connects the discs |
- Two pairs of gang connect the discs |
- Presence of furrow wheel |
- Absence of furrow wheel |
(c) Uses of the illustrated farm implements
I (Disc plough)
For
- breaking up and turning over the soil during tillage/primary tillage
- cutting and burying weeds
- mixing organic manure/animal dung /fertilizer with soil
- breaking hard pan of new field/stony area
II (Disc harrow)
For
- breaking soil lumps/clods
- pulverizing the soil/levelling the soil
- removing weeds
- covering seeds during planting
- mixing organic manure with soil
(d) Advantages of using the illustrated implements (disc plough and disc harrow)
on tropical soils
They
- roll over obstacles/rocks/stones/stumps
- work well in hard tropical soils
- do not completely turn over soil slices, so grass tufts are left which prevent
soil erosion
- work better on heavy or clay soil
(e) Ways of maintaining the illustrated farm implements
- Clean /wash and dry after use
- Tighten loose bolts and nuts
- Grease/lubricate moving parts
- Replace worn out parts
- Store in cool, dry place
- Oil/grease/paint the metal parts to prevent rusting
- Straighten bent discs