KARONGA/MZUZU DIOCESE

2012 MSCE MOCK

AGRICULTURE PAPER II
- Answer all four questions.

PRACTICAL (60 marks)

1. You are provided with two soil samples labeled A and B. Wet each soil sample by
adding a little amount of water and then rub each soil sample between the
thumb and fore finger.
a. Identify the soil sample labeled A and B
A ____________________________________
B ____________________________________ (2)

b. What method has been used to identify the two soil samples in question 1a.
_________________________________________________________ (1)

c. (i) Which of the two soil samples is more aerated.

_________________________________________________________(1)

(ii) Explain the answer to question c(i)

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

(2)

d. (i) Which of the two soil samples has the highest nutrient content?
_________________________________________________________ (1)

(ii) Explain the answer to question d(i)

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
(2)
e. State one way of raising soil pH of sample B.
________________________________________________________ (1)
2. You are provided with samples of two root systems.
a. Identify the root labeled C and D.
C _________________________________
D _________________________________ (2)

b. Draw the root system C and label three parts.

c. Explain how the rooting depth of C affects:

(i) Amount of irrigation
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
(2)
(ii) Frequency of irrigation
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
(2)
d. Why is the root system labeled D important in soil conservation?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
(1)
3. Table 1 below shows yields obtained on an experimental plot for different
varieties of maize and quantity of manure applied. Use it to answer questions
which follow:

Farm yard manure Hybrid maize Local naize

(Kg) (kg) (kg)
0 900 700
100 1000 800
200 1100 900
300 1250 1000
400 1400 1200
500 1500 1300
600 1600 1400
700 1700 1400
800 1900 1400

a. Draw a line graph on the two varieties of maize against farm yard manure.

(10)
b. (i) What was the aim of the experiment.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) What was the control of the experiment
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
(1)
c. From the graph, what yield was obtained from each variety for an application
rate of 650kg of farm yard manure?
(i) Hybrid maize
_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
(2)
(ii) Local maize
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
(2)
d. From the graph, what advice should be given to a farmer on application of
farm yard manure above 600kg to:
(i) Hybrid maize
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
(2)
 (ii) Local maize
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
(2)

e. Explain why hybrid maize performed better than local maize at the same farm
yard manure application rates.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
(2)
4. Figure 1 shows diagrams of irrigation systems labeled A and B. Use it to answer
questions that follow:

a. Identify the type of irrigation system labeled A and B.

A ________________________________
B ________________________________ (2)

b. (i) State any three advantages of the irrigation system shown in B.

1. ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
(3)
 (iii) State the three disadvantages of the irrigation system shown in B.
1. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
(3)
c. Explain one advantage of planting trees in the windward side of the garden
irrigated by the system B.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
(2)
d. (i) What is the name of the structure filled with water in A.
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(ii) Explain any two problems caused by the structures named in d(i) above
1. ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
(4)
e. Briefly explain how irrigation alters the farming calendar.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
(2)
f. List any three factors to consider when establishing the irrigation system A.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________ (3)