AGRICULTURE II: CROP FARMING

NAME: JOSEPH MEROE PARSANKA

REG NO: BEPO/2021/75907

CODE: BAG2207

1. Describe the field management practices carried out in a tomato field ( 10 marks)

- Watering early in the morning and late in the evening during dry weather conditions;

- Gapping to ensure optimum plant population;

- Weed control to reduce competition;

- Staking to support the plants off the ground to prevent fungal diseases;

- Mulching to conserve moisture and smother weeds;

- Top dressing with CAN or SA at rate of 20 kg N per ha;

- Pruning to control upward growth and encourage development of large fruits;

- Pest control using appropriate pesticides to prevent destruction of plants, flowers and fruits;

- Disease control - spray with appropriate fungicides to control tomato blight;

- Rogueing of plants infected by bacterial wilt;

- Regular watering and appropriate fertilizer application to control blossom-end rot;

- Harvesting by picking ripe fruits for canning or as a reddish colour starts to appear for the fresh market;

- Earthing up to facilitate drainage, support the plants and prevent soil erosion.
Author

Maurice Nyamoti

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2. Explain the cultural practices that helping in the formation of a good soil structure (10 marks)

Soil structure is the arrangement of soil particles (sand, silt, clay and organic matter) into granules,
crumbs or blocks. It is the shape that the soil takes based on its physical, chemical and biological
properties. Soil structure is often confused with soil texture, both of which affect the soil's drainage and
aeration capabilities

A good soil structure is important to allow air and water into the soil which are vital for healthy plant
growth. It will improve drainage and reduce soil erosion caused by excess surface run-off.

a.Application of inorganic manure into the soil.

b. Tilling the land at the right moisture content.

c. Crop rotation.

d. Minimum tillage.

e. Cover cropping.

f. Mulching.
3. Explain how you would prepare a piece of land for growing maize( 10marks)

the production of maize

(i) seedbed preparation;

(ii) planting;

(iii) harvesting

(i) Seedbed preparation.

• Bush clearing.

• Carryout primary cultivation.

• Carrying out secondary cultivation.

. Prepare land early during the dry season.

. Deep ploughing to remove perennial weeds.

• Harrow to medium tilth.

• Carry out soil and water conservation measures.

(ii) Planting of maize

. Plant at the onset of rains/dry plant.

. Space according to variety! 75 - 90 cm a 20 - 30 cm.

. Plant one or two seeds per hole.

. Planting depth 2.5 - 10 cm depending on the moisture content.

. Plant manually or use planters.

. Use phosphatic fertilizer/organic manure at a ratio of 120 kg/ha.

(iii) Harvesting maize

. Harvest after 3 - 9 months.

. Harvest when die whole plant dries/harvest according to market demand.

. Harvest manually by hand or use combine harvesters.

. Cut and stook the maize if hanrvesting is manual.

. Remove the cobbed maize from the husks.