Gce Model Questions Vol1 2017 Agricultural Science Question 2

Practice essay / theory question 2 from the 2017 Gce Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Soil Science .

Gce Model Questions Vol1 2017 Agricultural Science Essay / Theory
Topic: Soil Science
Question 2 GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2017 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • essay

A soil scientist sets up a laboratory experiment to investigate how varying percentages of compost added to a loamy soil affect the rate of water infiltration. The apparatus consists of a vertical transparent column 30 cm high divided into three equal sections, each packed with 2 kg of soil mixed with different compost rates: 5 %, 10 % and 15 % by weight. Water is poured into the top of the column at a constant rate of 100 ml min⁻¹. The outflow from the bottom is collected in a graduated cylinder and the time taken for 500 ml to be collected from each section is recorded.

Question Parts

( a )
Using the diagram, describe how the experimental setup ensures that the infiltration rate measured for each compost level is independent of the others.
( b )
The recorded times for 500 ml outflow are: 5 % compost – 8 min, 10 % compost – 6 min, 15 % compost – 4 min. Calculate the infiltration rate (in ml min⁻¹) for each compost level and comment on the trend.
( c )
If the farmer wishes to achieve an infiltration rate of at least 120 ml min⁻¹, estimate the minimum compost percentage (among the tested levels) that meets this target and discuss any practical considerations for field application.

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About This Question

This is Gce Model Questions Vol1 2017 Agricultural Science Question 2. It is one of the essay questions from the 2017 Gce Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Soil Science .

View More Gce Model Questions Vol1 2017 Agricultural Science Questions More Gce Model Questions Vol1 Practice Questions Back to Questions

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