Gce Model Questions Vol1 2017 Agricultural Science Question 5

Practice essay / theory question 5 from the 2017 Gce Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Crop Production, Intercropping, Fertilizer Management .

Gce Model Questions Vol1 2017 Agricultural Science Essay / Theory
Topics: Crop Production Intercropping Fertilizer Management
Question 5 GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2017 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • essay

A farmer in the Sudan savanna region intends to establish a 2‑ha field for the production of maize (Zea mays) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in a mixed cropping system.

Question Parts

( a )
Explain two agronomic advantages of intercropping maize with cowpea in this environment.
( b )
The recommended seed rate for maize is 25 kg ha⁻¹ and for cowpea 80 kg ha⁻¹. The farmer plans to allocate 60 % of the land to maize and the remaining 40 % to cowpea. Calculate the total quantity of seed (in kg) the farmer must purchase.
( c )
The soil test shows available phosphorus of 12 mg kg⁻¹, which is below the critical level of 20 mg kg⁻¹ for maize. The recommended phosphorus fertilizer application is 30 kg P₂O₅ per ha for the maize portion only. Assuming the fertilizer contains 44 % P₂O₅, determine the mass of fertilizer (in kg) required for the maize area.
( d )
Discuss how the residual nitrogen fixed by cowpea can affect the subsequent sole maize crop, and suggest one management practice to maximise this benefit.

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About This Question

This is Gce Model Questions Vol1 2017 Agricultural Science Question 5. It is one of the essay questions from the 2017 Gce Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Crop Production, Intercropping, Fertilizer Management .

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