This question was not satisfactorily answered by the candidates. In question 6(a), most of the candidates could define pasture. In question 6(b), majority of the candidates could not list the features of natural pastures. Also, in question 6(c)(i –iii), majority of the candidates could not solve the simple calculation due to their poor background in mathematics. Also, most of them could not give the ways in which stylosanthes gracilis is important in agricultural production.
The expected answers include:
Features of Natural Pastures
- Ability to regenerate easily
- Growth may be enhanced by burning
- Soil are low in nutrients
- Contain obnoxious grasses and legumes
- Grasses and legumes are poor in quality
- Can withstand trampling by ruminants
- Forage crops are resistant to drought
Calculation
EITHER OR
Are of land = πr2 Are of land = πr2
= 3.142 x 200m x 200m = 22 x 200m x 200m
125,680m2 7
Spacing = 1m x 50cm = 125,714.28m2
= 1m x 0.5m Spacing = 1m x 50cm
= 0.5m2 = 1m x 0.5m
Plant Population of stylosanthes gracilis = 0.5m2
= area of the land(m2) Plant population = area of land (m2)
spacing (m2) spacing (m2)
= 125,680m2 = 125,714.28m2
0.5m2 0.5m2
= 251,360 stands = 251,428.56 stands
Approx. = 251,429 stands
Expected plant population: Expected plant population:
Germination % = 75 Germination % = 75
i.e. 75 of 251,360 i.e. 75 of 251,429
100 100
Expected plant population = 188,520
Stands of stylosanthes gracilis = 188,572 stands of stylosanthes gracilis
Importance of Stylosanthes gracilis in agricultural production:
- Fixation of nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil
- Feed for ruminants
- Green manure/fallow crop
- Checks soil erosion
Enhance soil structure 
