Majority of the candidates attempted this question and their performance was above average . . In question· 5( a) and 5(b), many candidates were able to define crop rotation -and list the factors a farmer should consider when planning a crop rotation programme.
However in question 5( c), most candidates could not calculate the kilogrammes of compost that would be required to manure a cassava sub-plot in a 4-course rotation.
The expected answers include:
.. :,.
Method 1
The area of the plot = 60 m x 30 m = 1,800m2
In a 4 - course rotation the area of the cassava sub-plot
= 1800m2
4
= 450m2
1 hectare = 10,000m2 :.450m2 = 450m2
10000m2 = 0.045 hectare
1 hectare requires 40 tonnes of compost
.'. 0.045 hectare requires
40 x 0.045 tonne = 1.8 tonnes
1
1 tonne = 1000 kg
1.8 tonnes = 1S x 1000kg .
= 1,800kg of compost
OR
Method 2
The area of the plot = 60m x 30m
=1800m2
1 hectare = 10,000m2
Area of plot in hectare = 1800m2
10,000m2
=0.18 hectare
Area of cassava sub-plot = 0.18 hectare
4
= 0.045 hectare
I hectare requires 40 tonnes of compost
0.18 hectare requires 40 x 0.18
=7.2 tonnes of compost
.'. Cassava sub-plot requires 7.2 tonnes 4
= 1.8 tonnes
I tonne = 1,000kg
1.8 tonnes = 1.8 x1000kg
= 1,800kg of compost
