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RIO CLARO EAST SECONDARY SCHOOL
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE (Single Award)
CHRISTMAS TERM TEST 2014
FORM 5 GROUPS 2, 3 & 4
TEACHERS: Mr. Ramdatt & Mrs. Maharaj
TIME: 2 hrs
NAME: _________________________________________
CLASS: ____________________
READ THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY
1.
This test consists of fourteen questions, ten in Section I and four in Section II. You should answer ALL of them.
2.
Section I is worth 40 marks
3.
Section II is worth 60 marks
DO NOT TURN THIS PAGE UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO
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SECTION I
1.
(a)
Explain the meaning of ‘asexual reproduction’
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(2marks)
(b)
List giving examples, the two types of asexual reproduction
TYPE
EXAMPLE
(i)
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(ii)
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(2 marks)
2.
(a)
What is the meaning of germination?
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(2 marks)
(b)
Briefly explain the difference between epigeal germination and hypogeal germination
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(2 marks)
3.
(a)
A farmer wants to harvest a 25 hectare plot of corn (Zea mays). He cannot harvest the plot manually by himself
State TWO possible ways to overcome this problem.
i.
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ii.
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(2 marks)
(b)
List TWO factors that affect the timing of harvesting crop produce
i.
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ii.
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(2 marks)
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4.
a)
A bag of fertilizer is labeled 8 : 16 : 24
i. What type of fertilizer does this represent?
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(1 mark)
ii. Calculate the nitrogen to phosphorous ratio in this fertilizer
(1mark)
(b)
Mr. Lynch produces compost on his farm by placing waste plant material in a heap, turning it regularly and adding
water to maintain moist conditions. Despite his effort the composting period takes about six months.
Suggest ONE way by which Mr. Lynch can reduce the composting period and give a reason for your answer.
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(2 marks)
5.
(a)
The nitrogen cycle is one example of a nutrient cycle that is important to plants. State the name of another nutrient
cycle that is also important for plant growth.
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(2 marks)
(b)
List TWO factors that affect soil fertility
i.
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ii.
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(2 marks)
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6
A soil scientist conducts an experiment to determine the effect of burning on soil erosion. The data obtained from the study
are presented in Table 1
TABLE 1: THE EFFECT OF BURNING ON SOIL EROSION
a)
Treatment
Soil Erosion (tonnes per hectare)
No burning
5
Burning for 10 minutes
15
Burning for 30 minutes
25
What is meant by the term ‘soil erosion’?
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(1 mark)
b) What is the relationship between burning and soil erosion as indicated in Table 1?
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(2 marks)
c)
Name ONE soil management practice that can be used to reduce soil erosion
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(1 mark)
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(a)
The germination of seeds is affected by the depth at which they are planted.
List TWO OTHER factors which affect the germination of seeds planted in the field
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(2 marks)
(b)
In an experiment, a student observes that the germination of seeds is higher in new, unused seedling trays than in
trays which have been previously used.
(i)
Suggest ONE reason that may account for this observation
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(1 mark)
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(ii)
Describe ONE measure the student can undertake to improve the germination of seeds sown in seedling
trays which have been previously used.
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(1 mark)
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(a)
Some forages fed to animals are para, elephant, Guatemala and kudzu.
Name ONE legume and ONE grass from the list of forages above
Grass……………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………...
Legume…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(2 marks)
(b)
The decrease in forge production during a prolonged dry period resulted in a 20% reduction in milk production.
Advise farmers on TWO measures which should be taken during the next rainy season to correct this problem.
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(2 marks)
9
(a)
Briefly explain what is a soil amendment
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(2 marks)
(b)
Give TWO examples of soil amendments that can be used on our local soils
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(2 marks)
10
(a)
What is meant by ‘composting’?
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(2 marks)
(b)
List any TWO materials that are needed to make a compost heap
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(2 marks)
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SECTION II
Answer ALL questions
Begin each question on a NEW page
11.
(a)
(i)
List the THREE major plant nutrients needed for healthy plant growth
(3 marks)
(ii)
Explain the role of EACH of these nutrients in proper plant growth
(6 marks)
(b)
Farmer Alisa noticed that her tomato crop was stunted in growth and had yellowing leaves; she believes that her
crop may be suffering from a nutrient deficiency and wishes to fertilize her plants. As an agricultural extension officer, advise
Farmer Alisa on what factors she needs to consider before applying any fertiliser.
(9 marks)
Total 15 marks
12
(a)
(i)
Explain what is a fertilizer
(2 marks)
(ii)
Fertilizers may be organic or inorganic. Give TWO examples of both organic and inorganic fertilizers
(4 marks)
(b)
There are TWO categories of inorganic fertilizers. Name the two types
(4 marks)
(c)
What is meant by the term ‘fertilizer ratio’?
(2 marks)
d) Give THREE examples of mixed fertilizers
(3 marks)
Total 15 marks
13
(a)
List THREE methods of fertilizer application
(3 marks)
(b)
Explain the following terms;
i. Crop rotation
ii. Cover cropping
iii. Intercropping
(9 marks)
(c)
Briefly outline how you would make a compost heap
(3 marks)
Total 15 marks
14
(a)
A farmer planted a lettuce crop which he harvested after six weeks. The harvested lettuces were immediately
placed in a crocus bag and transported in an open tray truck to the market. The farmer was unable to sell the
majority of his lettuces because of poor quality.
(i)
Explain the difference between harvest and postharvest operations.
Harvest ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Postharvest……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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(2 marks)
(ii)
Identify TWO harvest or TWO postharvest practices which contributed to the poor quality lettuces and
suggest appropriate measures to overcome them.
Practice ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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Solution ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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Practice ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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Solution ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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(4 marks)
(b)
The farmer observes that after ploughing and rotavating the soil on his land, it becomes powdery and the particles
are easily blown away by the wind.
Explain THREE environmentally friendly soil management practices which could be used to correct this problem.
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(9 marks)
Total 15 marks