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Agricultural Science Paper 3, Nov/Dec 2008  
Questions: 1 2 3 4   Main
General Comments
Weakness/Remedies
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Question 1

Question 1

The diagrams below illustrate series of manipulative activities on two soil samples A and B in a soil experiment.  Use them to answer questions (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)State the aim of the experiment.                                                                (1 mark)
(b) Name the soil types illustrated by diagrams A and B above.               (2 marks)
(c) State the conditions of the two soil samples when dry and moist.       (4 marks)
(d) State three soil management practices that can be used to improve
      soil sample B.                                                                                         (3 marks)
(e) Name three crops that can be successfully grown on soil represented
      by sample A.                                                                                          (3 marks)
(f) Water holding capacity would be higher in which soil sample?            (1 mark)
(g) Which of the soil samples will have the greater soil temperature?        (1 mark)

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OBSERVATION

This question was poorly attempted by the candidates.  In 1(a), most of the candidates were unable to state the aim of the experiment.  In 1(b), many candidates could not name the soil type illustrated by diagram B.  Also, in 1(c), many candidates could not state the conditions of soil samples A and B when dry and when moist.  Majority of the candidates were unable to state the soil management practices that can be used to improve soil sample B as required in 1(d).  Also, in 1(e), many candidates could not name the crops that can be successfully grown on soil sample A.  
However, in 1(f) and (g), majority of the candidates were able to name the soil sample with higher water holding capacity and greater soil temperature.

The expected answers include:

Aim of the experiment
To determine the soil texture.

Soil types illustrated by diagrams A and B
     A: Clay
B: Sandy loam/Loam

Conditions of the soil samples when dry and  moist
            A:
            Dry:  Hard, Fine, Powdery
            Moist:  Sticky/Plastic/Smooth

           B:
Dry:  Loose, rough to touch, coarse
Moist: Moderately sticky/Not Plastic

Soil management practices that can be used to improve soil sample B

  1. Addition of organic manure/Green manuring;
  2. Leave to fallow/fallowing;
  3. Cover cropping;
  4. Liming;
  5. Addition of fertilizers

           
Crops that can be successfully grown on soil sample A

  • Rice;
  • Sugarcane;
  • Cocoa;
  • Rubber;
  • Bananas/plantains

 

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