Observation 

Candidates’ performance in  Question 2 was above average although the description
of preparation of compost proved difficult for many candidates. Majority of
candidates did not follow the sequential steps necessary for preparing compost;
thus losing marks. In addition, some candidates do not understand the common
function of superphosphate, compost and farmyard manure but they were
writing ‘for crop growth’.

The expected answers include

 

2. (a)  (i)  Physical properties of specimens F (Superphosphate ), G (Compost) and
H (Farmyard Manure)

                         Specimen F (Superphosphate)
-     Light/grey colour
-     Granular in nature          
-     Has loose particles
-     Hard to touch      

Specimen G (Compost)
-     Dark in colour
-     Presence of well decayed materials
-     Bulky
-     Has foul/unpleasant/offensive odour                                                                                                                                                                                                     
Specimen H (Farmyard manure)
-      It is dark in colour
-      Not well decayed materials due to the presence of grass and other materials

                            -      Very bulky
-      Contains micro-organisms
-      It has foul/unpleasant/offensive odour                                                                           

(ii)  Common function of specimens F (Superphosphate ), G (Compost) and
H (Farmyard manure)           
-    They add nutrients to the soil/increase fertility of the soil                                                      

                      (iii)  Methods of applying specimen F (Superphosphate) to the soil
-         Broadcasting                             -         Ring placement          
-         Plough-sole method                  -         Band placement
-         Side dressing/row placement    -         Top dressing

                (b)  Description of how specimen G (Compost) is prepared        
-    Collect materials such as grasses, legumes, kitchen waste, dung, old compost, ash and
water
-    Make three or four heaps/pits
-    Lay grasses and legumes, at the bottom of the heap/pit A, followed by kitchen waste,         
dung, old compost, and other plant materials
-    Sprinkle ash, urine, and little amount of water
-    Cover up each layer
-    Layers are added in this manner until the heap/pit is filled up
-    Insert a long stick called tester by the side
-    Feel the tester after two weeks. If it is hot, it implies that decomposition has taken
place/the operation is successful
-    After two weeks, the materials are turned into heap/pit B
-    After another two weeks, heap/pit B is turned into heap/pit C

            (c)   Precautions that should be taken when applying specimens F (Superphosphate),
G (Compost) and H (Farmyard manure) to soils

Specimen F (Superphosphate)
-      Avoid direct contact of the fertilizer with any plant part
-      Apply according to plant nutrient requirement
-      After application, the spreader and implement used need to be washed properly
-      Use a ventilation mask during application to the soil
-      Avoid eating, drinking and smoking when applying                                                                       
Specimen G (Compost)
-      Must not be applied immediately after preparation
-      Avoid direct contact with plants
-      Wear gloves and a mask when applying
-      Avoid eating, drinking and smoking when applying                                                                                                                                   
Specimen H (Farmyard manure)
-      Allow some days for proper decay of the manure before planting
-      Avoid direct contact with plants      
-      Use ventilation mask during application to the soil
-      Avoid eating, drinking and smoking when applying