Form 1 Agriculture complete notes

KLB FORM ONE AGRICULTURE.
TEACHING & STUDENTS NOTES.

PREPARED BY:
MR. NAMAYE . N . VINCENT.
A new era in education
AGRICULTURE & BIOLOGY TEACHER.
YEAR 2020.
Other resources:
 NOTES
 SCHEMES
 FULL EXAM SETS+MARKING SCHEMES
 PAST PAPERS.
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Prepared by Mr. Viny. Agric/Bio teacher year -2020 Call or whatsapp 0710250520 for more resources.
F1CH1 INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE
The term agriculture was derived from two Latin words, ager and cultura.
Ager which means a field.
Cultura which means cultivation.
Definition of agriculture
Agriculture is defined as the art and science of crop and livestock production.
Agriculture as an art involves the following activities;

 Tilling of land.
 Construction of farm structures.
 Measuring distances.
 Operation of machines.
 Harvesting of crops.
 Feeding and handling of animals.
 Marketing of agricultural produce.
As a science agriculture involves the following;
 Crop pathology-is the study of crop diseases.
 Entomology- is the study of insects and their control.
 Soil science- is the study of soil.
 Genetics- is the study of inheritance and variation in application to plant and animal breeding.
 Agricultural engineering-relates to soil and water conservation and farm machinery.
BRANCHES OF AGRICULTURE.
1. Crop farming. (arable farming)
 Is the production of crops on cultivated land.
a. Field crops-are crops grown in a fairly large are of land.
b. Horticultural crops-are perishable crops that are majorly exported to earn foreign exchange.
Horticultural crops involves the following;
 Floriculture-is the growing of flowers e.g. roses and tuberose.
 Olericulture- is the growing of vegetables such as cabbages, tomatoes and kales.
 Pomology- is the growing of fruits such as avocado, mangoes and citrus.
2. Livestock farming.
 It involves;
 Pastoralism-practice of rearing farm animals on pastures.
 Fish farming/ aquaculture- involves rearing of fish in fish ponds.
 Bee keeping/ apiculture- rearing of bees in bee hives.
 Poultry keeping-keeping of domesticated birds for production of eggs and meat.
3. Agricultural engineering
A branch of agriculture that deals with use and maintenance of farm tools, machinery and structures.
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4. Agricultural economics.
A branch of agriculture which deals with the use or allocation of scarce resources while maximizing
output and minimizing cost in production.
5. Soil science
A branch of agriculture that deal with the study of soil.
FARMING SYSTEMS.
 Refers to the organization of the farm and all the enterprises in relationship to each other.
 There are two main farming systems namely extensive system and intensive system
 Extensive system.
It has the following characteristics;
 Requires large tracts of land.
 Requires low capital investment.
 Requires low labour per unit area.
 Has low yields per unit area.
 Intensive system.
This system has the following characteristics;
 Requires high capital.
 Requires high labour investment per unit area.
 It has high yields.
NOTE: extensive and intensive systems can be carried out under large scale and small scale farming. The
scale of production in these systems depend on the following;
 The level of technology.
 Availability of land.
 Capital availability.
 Skilled labour.
Advantages and disadvantages of extensive farming system.
advantages Disadvantages.
cheap Low output per unit area.
Does not require high management level. Land is under-utilized.
Less labour required. Cannot be practiced where land is limited
Low profit per unit area.
Advantages and disadvantages of intensive farming system.
advantages Disadvantages.
Maximum use of resources. It is labour intensive/ requires more labour.
Can be practiced where land is limited Requires high capital investment
Yields are high Requires high level of management.
Can result in high losses incase of poor management.
Large scale farming.

 Practice of farming that involves use of large tracts of land.
 Mainly done for commercial purposes and is highly mechanized.
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Characteristics of large scale farming
 Involves use of large piece of land.
 Requires heavy capital investment.
 Requires skilled labour.
 Requires high level of management.
Advantages of large scale farming

 Results in high yields.
 Due to economics of scale high profit is realized.
Disadvantages of large scale farming

Lack of diversification may lead to total failure in case of unfavourable conditions.
High level of management is required.
Heavy capital investment.
Requires skilled and qualified manpower.
Small Scale Farming

 Refers to farming carried out on a small area of land less than5hectares.
 Family or casual labour can be used.
 Most of the Kenyan farmers are small scale due to unavailability of farmland.
Advantages
Requires low capital investment.
Possible where land is a limiting factor.
Does not require high management level unless under intensive system.
Disadvantages
Uneconomical due to small size.
Low production.
Provides limited employment.
Labour intensive.

Ranching
Refers to keeping of livestock in marginal range areas.
Management practices such as disease control, improved pastures, supplementary feeding and water are
provided.
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METHODS OF FARMING.
Mixed farming.
 Is the practice that involves both growing of crops and rearing of animals on the same farm.
Advantages of mixed farming
 It offers diversification since one enterprise can fail and the farmer can still benefit from the other
hence no total loss.
 There is mutual benefit – Crops supply feed for animals while animals supply manure for crops.
 There is maximum utilization of resources.
 The farmer is assured of an income throughout the year.
 Animals can be used in the farm activities particularly draught animals.
Disadvantages
High initial capital.
Lack of specialization.
Land can be a limiting factor if both enterprises are to be raised.
Requires high level of management for both enterprises.
Nomadic pastoralism.
 Pastoralism is the practice of rearing livestock on natural pasture.
 Nomadism is the practice of moving from one place to another.
 Nomadic pastoralism is the moving of animals from one place to another in search of fresh pastures
and water.
Nomadic pastoralism is gradually changing to ranching with the introduction of:
 Improved pasture species.
 Improved livestock breeds
 Supplementary feeding
 Efficient disease and parasite control measures
 Improved infra-structure such as roads, water supply, cattle dipping facilities.
 Extension services.
Disadvantages of nomadic pastoralism.

 It encourages the spread of livestock pests and diseases due to communal watering points,
grazing and dipping facilities.
 There is a tendency to increased soil erosion and land degradation.
 Source of conflicts among the nomadic communities for the control of good pastures and water.
 Difficult to control breeding and breeding diseases.
 High rate of inbreeding leading to poor quality livestock.
 Low production of milk, meat, hides and skins
Shifting cultivation
 Involves farming on a piece of land until it is exhausted and then moving to a more fertile land.
Shifting application is applied where;
 Land is abundant. (more land)
 Where population is sparse.
 Where land is communally owned.
 Where the number of livestock per unit area is low.
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Advantages of shifting cultivation.
 It has low capital investment.
 There is no buildup of pests and diseases.
 Soil structure is maintained.
 There are no land disputes as land does not belong to individuals.
 Land is allowed to rest and regain fertility.
Disadvantages of shifting cultivation.

 Total yield per unit area is low.
 A lot of time is wasted when farmer shift and build new structures.
 Farmers do not have incentive (motivation) to develop land and conserve soil and water.
 Shifting cultivation is not applicable in areas of high population density or where there is high
population.
Organic farming.
Refers to the growing of crops and rearing of animals without using agricultural chemicals.
Advantages.
 It is environmental friendly since there is no environmental pollution.
 Adds fertility as Soil nutrients are replenished.
 It improves soil structure.
 It enhances soil water infiltration and retention.
 Cheap and cost effective.
Identify five activities undertaken to achieve organic farming;

 Mulching.
 Minimum tillage.
 Apply manure.
 Crop rotation.
 Use of organic materials.
 Physical/ cultural/ biological/ pests, weeds and disease control.
Agroforestry.
Is a farming method that involves growing of crops, trees and rearing of animals on the same piece of land.
This is to improve the output of the soil.
Trees selected for agroforestry should have the following characteristics:

Able to grow fast.
Deep rooted to minimize competition for nutrients.
Should be preferably leguminous.
Advantages of agroforestry.
 Trees bind soil particles together and act as windbreaks hence controls soil erosion.
 It adds fertility in the soil when tree when they decompose.
 There is maximum utilisation of land.
 Agroforestry provides fodder for livestock and wood fuel.
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ROLES OF AGRICULTURE IN THE ECONOMY.
Agriculture is very important in the economy due to the following reasons:
 Food supply (source of food) - agriculture supplies food to both urban and rural communities to
ensure a healthy population.
 Source of employment-agriculture provide direct employment to over 79% of people as farm

employees and in agro-based industries.
 Source of raw materials for industries-agricultural products such as sugarcane, leather, cotton, milk,
beef, pyrethrum, coffee and tea are supplied to industries and processed into final products such as
sugar, shoes, clothes, yoghurt etc.
 Source of capital/money/income- farmers can sell agricultural products produced in surplus or

excess to earn money that can be used for purchasing farm requirements.
 Provision of foreign exchange- when agricultural products such as coffee, tea, pyrethrum,
horticultural produce are exported foreign exchange is earned.
 Provision of market for industrial goods- agricultural sector acts as a market for industrial goods that
are purchased from the industries and used to improve agriculture such as seeds, agro-chemicals like
fertilizers , pesticides and farm tools and machinery such as jembes, wheelbarrows, ploughs etc.
TOPIC ASIGNMENT & QUESTIONS.

1. Give two factors which characterize intensive farming
2. State three reasons why organic farming is encouraged in farming
3. State two ways in which agriculture contributes to industrial development
4. State four reasons why nomadic pastoralism is gradually changing into ranching.
5. State the farming methods that are considered to be outdated.
6. Outline four advantages of organic farming
7. State two conditions under which shifting cultivation is practiced
8. Differentiate between the following terms as used in Agriculture:-
(a) Oleculture and floriculture
(b) Apiculture and aquaculture
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F1CH2 FACTORS INFLUENCING AGRICULTURE
There are many factors affecting agriculture. They include:
 Human factors.
 Biotic factors.
 Climatic factors.
 Edaphic factors.
HUMAN FACTORS.
These are factors found in human beings or the way human beings do thing which in turn influences
agriculture. Human factors include:
 Level of education and technology.

 Health (HIV/AIDS)
 Government policy.
 Economy.
 Cultural and religious beliefs.
 Transport and communication.
 Market forces.
 Level of education and technology.
With high level of education and technology farmer are able to achieve the following:
 Proper methods and time of doing operations such as planting at right time and spacing.
 Use of right type and amount of inputs. (seeds, land, fertilizer, pesticides)
 Application of the inputs at the right place such as application of pesticides on attacked leaves
and fertilizer in the soil.
 Making of right or correct decisions based on observations made by the farmer such as when
detecting signs of diseases and applying the right treatment.
 Health (HIV/AIDS)
The effect of HIV and AIDS as well as ill health on agriculture are as follows;
 Causes shortage of farm labour making labour very expensive.

 Causes low food supply and poverty.
 Causes low living standards that leads to despondency and lack of motivation to invest in
agriculture.
 Increases cost of living of AIDS patients.
 The government and N.G.Os use a lot of time and resources that would be used to develop
agriculture in controlling the disease.
 Government policy.
These are laws that govern production, marketing and distribution of agricultural products.
To encourage agricultural production the government introduces policies to regulate the amount of
imported agricultural goods by:
 Heavy taxation of imports to protect local industries hence making importation expensive.
 Subsidizing the growing of locally produced commodities hence making production of such
commodities cheap and affordable.
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 Quality control- enforce policies that ensure production of high quality goods for both export
and domestic market.
 Conservation of natural resources-such as forests, water catchment areas wildlife and soil.
 Stepping up in control of diseases and parasites that affect crop and livestock by introducing
regulations such as quarantine, licensing of quality products and vaccinations of animals.
 Cultural practices and beliefs.

Practices and beliefs of a community affect agriculture in terms of production and consumption.
 Transport and communication.
-Agriculture is affected by means of transport and communication as goods require to be taken from
sites of production (farm) to areas of consumption cheaply and efficiently.
-cheap means such as good road network are needed in transporting farm produce to the factories and
farm inputs from factories to the farms to prevent perishability of produce.
BIOTIC FACTORS.
These are living organisms that affects agricultural production either positively or negatively.
They include:
 Pests.
 Parasites.
 Pathogens.
 Predators.
 Pollinators.
 Decomposers.
 Nitrogen fixing bacteria.
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Pests
They are destructive organisms and affects agriculture negatively in the following ways:
 They feed on the whole or part of the plant.

 They transmit crop diseases.
 Some pests injure the plant parts they feed on exposing the plants to secondary infections and
rotting.
 Pests increase cost of producing crops as some methods of pest control are very expensive for
instance chemical control or use of pesticides.
Parasites
 They live in or on plants and animals.

 Parasites that live inside the animal are called endoparasites. They include roundworms, tapeworms
and liverflukes.
 Endoparasites compete for food with host animals.
 Parasites that live on the animal’s body are called ectoparasites. They include ticks, fleas and lice.
 Ectoparasites suck blood causing anaemia and also irritate them through their bites on the skin.
Pathogens.
 They are micro-organisms that cause and transmit diseases.

 They reduce both quality and quantity of agricultural produce.
 They include bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Predators.
 Are animals that kill and feed on other animals.

 Those that feed on pests are beneficial as they reduce pest population.
Pollinators.
 They transfer pollen grains from the anthers to the stigma of the flower causing cross pollination.
 Cross pollination helps in production of new and improved varieties of crops.
Decomposers.
 Are micro-organisms that act on plant and animal materials.

 They are beneficial because they cause rotting of materials to from manure.
Nitrogen fixing bacteria.
 They are useful micro-organisms found in root nodules of leguminous plants.

 They convert free nitrogen from air into nitrates hence they add fertility in the soil.
CLIMATIC FACTORS.
Climatic factors that affect agriculture include;
 Rainfall.
 Temperature.
 Wind.
 Relative humidity.
 Light.
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 Rainfall.
 It is very important as the main source of water required by plants.
 It must be adequate to sustain plants and animals.
 Plants wilt when water is inadequate.
Aspects of rainfall a farmer should consider when deciding on what crop to grow in an area:
 Rainfall reliability.
 Amount of rainfall.
 Rainfall distribution.
 Rainfall intensity.
 Rainfall reliability-is the dependency on the meteorological timing on the onset of rainfall.
-it determines the time of land preparation and planting.
Amount of rainfall- is the quantity of rain that falls in a given area within a given year and
measured in mm. rainfall amount determines the type of crop to be grown and livestock to be
reared.
 Rainfall distribution-refers to the number of wet months in a year. Influences choice of crop to
be grown in an area.
 Rainfall intensity-is the amount of rain that falls in an area within a period of one hour and
measured in mm per hour.
 Temperature.
 Refers to the hotness or coldness of a place measured in degrees Celsius or centipede.
 Cardinal range-is a range of temperature in which plants grow and thrive well.
Effects of temperature on crop production
Low temperatures.
 Slow growth rate of crops as photosynthesis is slowed.

 High incidences of disease infection to crop such as elgon die back, CBD, hot and cold
disease in coffee.
 Improves quality of crops such as tea and pyrethrum.
High temperatures
 Increase evaporation leading to wilting of crop.

 Increase rate of growth or hasten the maturity of crops.
 Improves the quality of crops such as pineapples and oranges.
 Increases incidences of diseases infection and pest infestation e.g. leaf rust in coffee and
aphids in vegetables.
 Wind.
 Refers to air in motion.
Effects of strong wind in agriculture;
 Acts as agent of soil erosion.  Increase evapotranspiration.

 Acts as agent of seed dispersal.  Causes lodging 9breakage of
 Destroys farm structures. stems) in cereals.
 Increase the spread of pests and  Blowing away and bringing of
diseases. rain bearing clouds.
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 Relative humidity
 Is the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere at a given temperature.
 Affects the rate of evaporation and transpiration as at high humidity, the rate of
evapotranspiration is low.
 Light.
 It provides energy required for photosynthesis.
Aspects of light that are important to consider;
 Light intensity-strength with which light is harnessed by chlorophyll.

 Light duration-duration light is available to plants.
 Light wavelength.
Classification of plants according to light duration
Short-day plants-require less than 12 hours of daylight such as soya beans, rice and tobacco.
Long-day plants-require more than 12 hours of day light e.g. wheat,
Day neutral plants-require 12 hours of daylight e.g. coffee, maize and beans.
EDAPHIC FACTORS.
These are soil factors that affects growth and distribution of crops and livestock.
Soil formation.
 The process of soil formation is called weathering.

 Weathering is the breakdown and alteration of the parent rock found near the earth’s surface.
Agents of weathering.
 Physical agents-include wing, moving ice, water and temperature.

 Strong winds blow and carry materials that hit each other making surface of the materials to break
off into fragments.
 When it rains, rain drops hit the ground with a force. Rain with high intensity erodes surface.
 In semi arid regions, high temperatures during the day cause rocks to expand and at night when
temperatures drop the rock cools and contracts from the surface faster than the inside. This unequal
expansion and contraction cause weathering.
 Biological agents-include living organisms such as large animals, human beings, plant roots,
bacteria and fungi, ants and termites etc.
 Man’s activities such as mining, cultivation and construction reduce the size of the rocks into
smaller particles.
 Bacteria and fungi initiates breakdown of plant tissues on the surface and within the soil.
 Organisms such as ants and termites bring to the surface large amount of fine materials.
 Roots of growing plants force their way into the cracks on rocks and exert pressure that
eventually splits the rocks.
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 Chemical weathering.
 Parent rocks are made up of chemical substances and with time they undergo changes that alter
their composition.
 Chemical weathering involves various chemical; reactions that occur between rock minerals in
parent rock and water as well as atmospheric gases.
 Water from rain fall dissolves some carbon (IV) oxide forming weak carbonic acid.
 Over a long period of time, weak carbonic acid reacts with the mineral particles in the parent
rock especially calcium carbonate.
 This causes decomposition.
 The chemical reaction is as follows:
Rain water + carbon (IV) oxide= weak carbonic acid.

H2O+ CO2 = H2 CO3
Weak carbonic acid +limestone= calcium bicarbonate.

H2 CO3 + CaCO3 = Ca(HCO3)2
Calcium bicarbonate formed by the reaction is soluble in water and hence dissolves the rocks.
Factors influencing soil formation (weathering)
They include:
 Parent rock materials.

 Climate.
 Topography.
 Time.
SOIL PROFILE.
This is the vertical arrangement of various soil layers or horizons.
The horizons are arranged as follows:
 Superficial layer-a thin layer that has dry decaying and decayed organic matter that covers the soil
surface.
 Topsoil (horizon A) - is the uppermost layer below the superficial layer.
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Characteristics of top soil layer.
 It is darker than other layers because it has high humus content.
 It is well aerated.
 It is well drained
 Contains active living organisms that decompose organic matter into humus.
 Sub-soil (horizon B) - found after top soil layer.
-it is more compact
- It is less aerated.
-minerals are leached from the top soil and they accumulate in this horizon hence it is called a
layer of accumulation.
 Substratum or weathered rock (horizon C)-found below subsoil layer.
--it is hard and impermeable to water.
-big trees roots may reach the layer.
 Parent rock ( horizon D) –found below the weathered rock.
-also referred to as bed rock.
-soil is formed from this rock.
Note: a transitional layer is found between two bordering horizons where one layer merges into the next
one.
SOIL CONSTITUENTS.
Soil is made up of:
 Mineral matter.
 Organic matter.
 Air.
 Water
 Living organisms.
 Soil mineral matter.

 Mineral matter consists of particles of rock formed from the parent rock through weathering.
 The particles are made up of inorganic compounds.
 Soil water.
 Soil water exists in three forms namely; superfluous water, capillary water and hygroscopic
water.
Superfluous water
 Water occupying the macro-pores and held by gravitational force.

 Readily available but easily lost because of being loosely held.
Capillary water
 Water occupying the micro-pores and held with greater force by soil particles.
 Available to plants.
 Also called available water.
Hygroscopic water.
 Water that forms a thin film around the soil particles.
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Functions of water to plants,
 It is a solvent for plant nutrients.

 An essential raw material in photosynthesis.
 Most plant protoplasm in plant cells is made of water hence makes the plant cells turgid.
 Plant loose water during transpiration causing a cooling effect on them.
An experiment to find out the percentage of the soil water content.
A student measured the mass of an empty evaporating dish and recorded X g.
He filled the empty dish halfway with fresh soil and measured the mass of the dish with fresh soil and
recorded (X+Y) g.
He heat the dish and the fresh soil in an oven for 2 hours and cooled the heated soil, the, he weighed the
heated soil and recorded (X+Z) g.
Find the percentage of soil water content.
Results and conclusion.
Mass of empty dish=x g.
Mass of empty dish and fresh soil= (x+y) g
Mass of fresh soil only=(x+y-x) g
Mass of empty dish and heated soil= (x+z) g
Mass of dried soil only= (x+z-x) g
Mass of water that evaporated=(y-z) g.
Percentage of water by mass = (mass of moisture/mass of fresh soil) x 100
= (y-z)/y x 100.
 Soil living organisms

Experiment to find the presence of living organisms soil.
 Set up the experiment as shown above using two conical flasks labeled X and Y.
 X should contain fresh garden soil while Y should contain strongly heated soil.
 Leave the apparatus for four hours.
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Observation and results.
In flask X lime water turns into a white precipitate while in flask Y lime water remains colourless.
Explanation.
Lime water in flask X turns into a white precipitate because of presence of carbon (IV) oxide gas which is
produced by the living organisms present in the fresh soil.
Lime water in flask Y remains colourless because of absence of carbon (IV) oxide gas in the flask since all
living organisms are killed in the strongly heated soil.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL.
Soil structure.
 Refers to the physical appearance of the soil according to the way individual soil particles are
arranged, packed or aggregated.
 Types of soil structures.
o Single-grained soil structure. o Prismatic soil structure.
o Crumby soil structure. o Platy soil structure.
o Granular soil structure. o Blocky soil structure
Soil texture.
 Refers to the coarseness or fineness of the various sizes of mineral particles.

 Soil texture is determined by the following methods.
 Mechanical analysis.
 Chemical analysis.
Soil classification.
Sandy soil.
 Are well drained soils.

 Coarse-textured.
 Moderate fertility.
 Slightly acidic.
 Have lower water holding capacity.
 Lower capillarity.
 Prone to erosion.
Clayey soil.
 Finely textured.
 Poorly drained and aerated due to narrow pores between particles.
 Very high water holding capacity.
 High capillarity.
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Loamy soils.
 Moderately textured
 Moderately drained
 Slightly acidic
 Good water holding capacity.
 Suitable for crop production.
Soil colour.
 It is determined by the parent rock and organic matter.

 Dark colour helps absorb heat from sun while light coloured soils reflect a lot of heat.
Chemical properties of soil.
Soil pH.
 Is the acidity or alkalinity level of soil solution.
Influence of soil pH on mineral availability, plant growth and production.
 Soil pH affects availability of various nutrients. Low pH makes phosphorus and molybdenum less
available in the soil.
 Very acidic soils or alkaline conditions affect activities of micro-organism. As they inhibit the
activities of soil micro-organisms.
 Different crop species reacts in different manner since each crop species have their optimum range of
soil pH i.e. coffee does well at pH 5.3-6.0.
Ways of Modifying soil Ph.
 Lowering soil pH or increasing/raising acidity

 Application of sulphur.
 Application of acidic fertiliser such as sulphate of ammonia.
 Increasing /raising soil pH or lowering acidity.
 Application of lime.
 Application of a basic fertiliser.
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F1CH3 FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT. PAPER 2
A tool is any instrument held in the hand and used to do work.
An equipment is something used for a specific purpose.
Categories of farm tools and equipment.
 Garden tools and equipment.

 Workshop tools and equipment.
 Livestock tools and equipment.
 Masonry tools and equipment.
 Plumbing tools and equipment.
 Garden tools and equipment.
They are tools used to perform most farm operations that lead to proper crop production.
TOOL FUNCTION DIAGRAM

1 sickle Used for cutting back
pyrethrum stalks,
harvesting rice and other
grasses.
2 Spade Used for digging and

scooping soil.
3 Garden fork Used for digging and

collecting manure and
trash.
4 Pruning saw Used for pruning or

cutting hard branches like
coffee and citrus.
5 Rake Used for removal of

weeds from cultivated
area and leveling the
ground during nursery
preparation.
6 Pruning shears Used for trimming hedges
and shrubs.
7 Garden line Used for measurements

between one plant and the
next.
Used during planting.
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8 Dibber Used for making holes for
transplanting.
9 Secatuers Used for pruning soft

branches like coffee trees
and citrus.
10 Garden trowel Used for lifting seedlings

from the nursery.
11 Knapsack sprayer Used for spraying

chemical solutions.
12 Pruning knife Used for pruning tea.
13 Sprinkler Used for irrigating plants.
14 Wheel arrow Used in the farm for

transporting loads that are
heavy.
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15 Watering can Used for watering
seedlings in the nursery
and after transplanting.
16 Measuring tape Used for measuring

distances.
17 Horse pipe Used for conveying water

from one point to another.
18 Leveling board Used for leveling of

seedbed during land
preparation
19 Pruning hook
Care and maintenance of garden tools.
 Tools should be cleaned after use.

 Those with metallic parts should be oiled to prevent rusting.
 Tools with cutting edges should be sharpened.
 Broken handles should be replaced.
 Tools with moving parts should be oiled or greased to reduce friction.
 Livestock production tools and equipment.

 These are tools used in the farm for livestock production practices such as milking, restraining,
treating and handling animals.
 They include:
21
TOOL FUNCTION DIAGRAM
1 Milking bucket or Used for holding milk as milking
pail takes place and during feeding of
calves.
2 Milking churn or Used for holding milk in transit

can (during transportation) and storage.
3 Milking stool Used by the milker to sit on while

milking
4 Rope A sisal or synthetic cord of various

thickness used for tying or
tethering animals to restrict their
movement.
5 Strip cup Used for checking whether a cow

has mastitis.
6 Milk weighing Used to measure the amount of

balance milk per animal for recording
keeping purpose.
7 Milk strainer A special sieve that is used for

straining milk to remove sediments
and hairs.
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8 Used for castrating bulls, rams and
Burdizzo billies.
9 Elastrator Used for expanding the rubber ring

while castrating, docking or
dehorning.
10 Scalpel A sharp razor with a handle used

for cutting especially in opening up
the scrotal sac to squeeze out the
testes when performing open
castration.
11 Wool shears. Used for clipping (shearing) fleece
(wool) from sheep.
12 Hoof cutter Used for trimming (cutting)

elongated or overgrown hooves in
livestock.
13 Drenching gun. Used for administering liquid

drugs through the mouth of an
animal.
14 Bolus gun. Used for shooting solid drugs

through the mouth of an animal.
15 Hypodermic needle Used for injecting medicines or

and syringe. vaccines into animals.
Used for extracting blood sample
for laboratory.
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16 Dehorning iron. A metal rod that is heated and
placed at the horn buds to burn and
scoop it off.
17 Stir-up pump. Used by small scale farmers for

hand spraying to control ticks on
livestock.
18 Dehorning wire. Used for cutting off mature horns.
19 Ear notcher Used for cutting special shapes at

the edges of ears in animals to
indicate numbers during
identification
20 Clinical or Used for taking body temperature

veterinary of the animal
thermometer.
21 Chaff cutter. Used for cutting fodder into small

bits before being fed to animals.
22 Hand broom. Used for washing or scrubbing

floors such as in milking parlours
or livestock houses.
23 Trocar and canular. r Used for removal of gases that

cause bloat in ruminants by
piercing the left side of the rumen.
24 Halter A special rope tied around the

animals head while handling it
24
hence helping to control the
animal’s movement during animal
parades.
25 Bull-ring and lead Used for restraining bulls and

stick. oxen.
Care and maintenance of livestock production tools and equipment.
 Clean the tools and equipment thoroughly after use.

 Tools such as syringe and milking equipment should be sterilized or disinfected after use.
 They should be stored properly away from flies and dust.
 Workshop tools and equipment.
 They are tool required on the farm to carry out several activities such as construction of farm
structures, repair and maintenance of other tools and equipment.
Factors that determine the type of tools found on the farm.

o Type of enterprise.
o Scale of production.
o Availability of skilled labour.
Workshop tools are grouped into two major categories.
 Woodwork tools and equipment.

 Metal work tools and equipment.
 Woodwork tools and equipment.
They are further divided into their specific use as follows.
 Cutting tools and equipment.

 Smoothing tools and equipment.
 Measuring tools and equipment.
 Layout tools and equipment.
 Boring tools and equipment.
 Holding tools and equipment.
 Sharpening tools and equipment.
 Wrecking tools and equipment.
 Assembling tools and equipment.
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Cutting tools and equipment.
 They include saws and chisels.

Parts of a saw.
Type of saw functions

Hand saw Used for cutting wood.
Rip saw Used for cutting along the grain of wood.
Cross-cut saw Used for cutting wood across the grain.
Back saw or tenon saw Used for fine sawing and small work cuttings such as joints.
Key-hole saw Used to cut or make keyholes. Cut either along or across the grain of
wood.
Coping saw Used for cutting curves on thin wood.
Care and maintenance of saws.
 Teeth setting should be done.

 Tighten the loose screws and nuts.
 Straighten bent blades.
 Regular sharpening of teeth should be done.
 Regular cleaning should be done.
 Broken handles should be repaired or replaced.
 The saw should be hang properly after work to prevent possible damage.
Chisel.
 There are two types of chisel, wood chisel and cold chisel.
 Wood chisel is used for cutting grooves, chopping off rough wood surfaces and in joinery work.
26
Care and maintenance of chisels.
 Replace broken handles.

 Sharpen the chisels when necessary.
 Grind the bevel to maintain the angle.
 Store them properly.
Smoothing tools and equipment.
 These are tools used for smoothing surfaces of work to produce a smooth and attractive surface.
 They include:
 Planes.
 Scrapers.
 Routers.
 Sandpaper
27
Planes:
 Are used along the grains while routers are used across the grains.
 Planes are of various types and size such as block plane, smoothing plane, jack plane, robot
plane, matching plane, bull nose plane, circular plane.
Care and maintenance of planes.
 Cutting edges of the plane iron should be sharpened on an oilstone when blunt.
 Knobs and handles should be replaced when broken.
 Check or replace worn out parts of the plane.
 Plane iron and cap iron requires replacement when worn out.
 Plane should be laid to its side at the work bench when not in use.
Routers-used for removing wood to form a groove or to make the grooves smooth.
Scrapers-used on final stages of smoothing surfaces and on small pieces of work.
Spoke shave-used to smoothen curved surfaces.
Files- (wood rasp and metal file)-used for smoothing rough wood surfaces.
Measuring tools and equipment.
They are used for measuring and finding out distances.
They include:
 Squares-used for measuring angles or layout of angles desired on the job.

 Try square-used to measure squareness and right angles.
 Combination square-does the work of several simple tools like protractor, try square, marking
gauge etc.
 Sliding board-useful in rafter cutting.
 Marking gauge-used to mark lines that are parallel to the edge of a stock.
 Mortise gauge- used to mark lines that are parallel to the edge of a stock.
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Boring tools and equipment.
 They are mostly bits.

 They include auger bit and solid centre punch.
 They are fixed on drilling tools such as hand drills. Beat drills, bits-brace, and electric drills.
They include;
 Auger bit-
 Expansive bits-used for boring holes in wood.
 Countersink bits.-used to widen screw holes so that heads of flat-head screws may be slightly
below surface of work.
 Hand drills-used for rapid drilling of small holes in both wood and metals.
 Bit-brace- used for holding and turning wood bits to bore holes in the wood.
Holding tools and equipment.
 These are tools used for holding work while carrying out operations such as cutting, smoothing,
boring etc.
 They include:
 G-clamp- for holding objects securely on the bench during various operations.
 Quick action vice.
 Sash clamp.
 F-clamp.
 Bench vice.
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

Sharpening tools and equipment
 They are used for sharpening and cutting the edges of other tools.
 They include :
 Files.
 Grinding stones
 Oil stones.
Wrecking tools and equipment.
 These are tools used for demolishing farm structures.

 They are also used for ramming hardcore, driving pegs in the ground and breaking big stones.
 They include:
 Wrecking hammer.
 Mason’s hammer.
 Sledge hammer.
Assembling tools and equipment.
 They are used in almost all construction and repair works in the farm.
 They include hammers, screw drivers and mallets.
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 Claw hammer-used for driving and removing nails from wood and straightening nails when they
are bent.
 Mallet-a thick wooden or plastic block that has a handle used together with wood chisel.
 Screw drivers-used to drive or remove screws in wood and metal.
Care and maintenance of hammers.
 Broken handles should be replaced.
 The head should be firmly fixed.
 They should be stored properly.
Types of screws drivers.
 Straight slot screw driver-for driving and removing straight slot head screws in wood and metal.
 Star headed screw driver- for driving and removing star headed screws in wood and metal.
Metal work tools and equipment.

 They are tools used when working on metals.
 They include;
tool functions
1 Hack saw Used for cutting metal rods and plates.
2 Cold chisel Used for cutting thick sheets of metal.
It is used together with ball pein hammer
3 Tinsnips Used for cutting thin sheets of metal.
4 Pliers. Used for cutting and splicing wire.
Also used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts.
5 Wire strainer Used for tightening wires during fencing.
6 Ball pein hammer. Used for riveting and striking the head of cold chisel and solid centre
punch.
Also used to straighten bent metal surfaces.
7 Center punch Used for marking the point of drilling.
8 Riveting machine Used to fix rivets when joining pieces of metal or plastic materials.
9 Soldering gun Used for melting soldering rod when repairing or fabricating metal
sheets.
10 Claw bar. Used for removing long nails from wood, straining fencing wires and
also digging fencing holes.
11. Spanners Used for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts of various sizes.
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Types of spanners.
 Open-end spanner-used to open or loosen specific sizes of bolts and nuts.

 Adjustable spanner-has an adjusting nut which makes adjusting spanner able to open and tighten
nuts of various sizes.
 Ring spanner-used for opening and loosening specific sizes of bolts and nuts.
Maintenance of farm tools and equipment.

Reasons/ importance of maintaining tools.
 To increase durability-properly maintained tools last longer.

 To reduce the replacement cost-tools that are well maintained last longer as farmers do not spend
capital replacing them hence reducing replacement cost.
 Increase efficiency-well maintained tools work better and more efficiently.
 To avoid injury to the user-poorly kept tools may result to injury to user such as using a blunt
cutting too; that has a broken handle leads to development of blisters on the hand.
 To avoid damage to the tool-poorly maintained tools end up getting damaged due to the force used
in working with it.
Maintenance practices carried on workshop tools and equipment.

 Cleaning after use.
 Sharpening the cutting edges when necessary.
 Tightening loose parts such as nuts and bolts.
 Applying oil on metallic parts to prevent rusting.
 Replacing or repairing all broken parts.
 Lubricating the moving parts to reduce friction.
32
Precautions that should be taken when using workshop tools and equipment.
 Tools should be left in a safe place.

 Use the correct tool for the correct job.
 Tools should be handled correctly when in use to avoid damage to user.
 Tools should be maintained and serviced to remain in good working conditions.
 Safety devices such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits should be used to reduce accidents.
 All tools should be properly stored in tool cabinets or in tool racks.
Masonry and plumbing tools and equipment.

Masonry tools.
 They are used for the construction and maintenance work.
 They include.
Masonry tool functions
Masons trowel Used for placing mortar between construction stones and bricks.
Wood float Used for plastering to create a level surface of water wall and floor.
Steel float Used for spreading screed over plastered floor or walls.
Spirit level Used for checking whether a surface is vertical or horizontal.
Plumb bob Used for checking whether a tall wall is vertical.
Mason’s square Used for checking right angles during construction.
Spade Used for scooping and mixing concrete or mortar.
Also used to measure cement, sand and ballast during construction.
Wheelbarrow Used for carrying loads
Also used as a measure for sand and ballast.
Mason’s hammer Used for removing rough stone surfaces.
33
Plumbing tools and equipment.
 They are tools used for plumbing operations in the farm.
 They include;
Masonry tool functions
Stock and die Used for cutting threads on pipes.
Pipe wrench Used for holding, tightening and loosening metallic pipes.
Pipe cutter Used for cutting PVC pipes.
Care and maintenance of masonry and plumbing tools.
 Tools should be cleaned after use.

 Parts such as hack saw blades should be replaced regularly.
 Handles should be replaced when broken.
 All moving parts like nuts and wheels should be lubricated to reduce friction.
 When cutting metal, coolant oil should be used to increase grip.
TOPICAL QUESTIONS FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
1. List four maintenance practice carried out on a cross-cut saw
2. Identify the following tools and state their functions
C
A
B
D
Identify A, B, C, D
3. Study the illustration below and answer the questions that follow.
i) Identify the equipment represented by the illustration
ii) What is the use of the equipment?
34
iii) Name the parts labeled A and B
iv) What is the function of the part labeled A and B
4. What is the use of a garden fork?
5. Name the tool that a builder would use to check the vertical straightness of a wall during
construction
6. Name the farm tool that can be used when removing nails from timber
7. Give two examples of equipment that a livestock farmer can use in administering oral anti
helminthes
8. Below are farm tools, study them and answer the questions that follow:-
(a) Identify the tools L, M, N, O
(b) Give one functional advantage of tool M over tool N
9. Name a tool used to perform the following functions on the farm;
(i) Drilling of small holes on metal
(ii) Bore holes on wood
10. State the common faults in the operation of Knapsack spray
11. (a) Name the three tools in castration of livestock
12. Name the most appropriate set of animal handling tools that a farmer uses for the following
operations:-
(i) Restraining a large bull when taking it around the show ring
(ii) Cutting tail in sheep
13. a) Below are illustrations of farm tools
E
G
F
H
35
i) State the use of the tools
ii) Name the type of hammer that may be used for driving tool K during work
b) Given below is an illustration of one of the routine management practices in livestock
Production.
Study the diagram and answer the following questions
i) Name the practice indicated in the diagram above
ii) Describe the procedure you would follow when carrying out the practice named
in (i) above in piglets
14. Study the diagram below and answer the questions that follow;
i) Identify the tools
ii) Give the use of each of the tools named above
iii) State two maintenance practices that should be carried out on tool D
15. List two equipment used in handling cattle during an Agricultural exhibition
16. Mention the use of the following tools.
i) Dibber
36
ii) Spokeshaves
iii) Tinsnips
iv) Burdizzo
17. List four precautions that should be taken when using workshop tools and equipment.
18. i) Below is an illustration of a farm equipment. Study it and answer questions that follow
a) Identify the farm equipment illustrated above
b) What is the use of the equipment
c) Name the parts labelled W, X and
d) What is the functions of Y on the equipment
19. Use the diagram below to answer questions which follow
i) Identify the above diagram
ii) Name the parts labelled A and B
MARKING SCHEME
FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

1.
 Store the saw properly after use
 Oil the blade for long storage to avoid rust
 Sharpen the teeth properly
Tighten the handle screw if loose
2. A-Tin snip – cutting thin metal sheets

B-Spokes have – smoothing curved and circular surfaces
37
C- Ceardeners trowel – uprooting seedlings during transplanting
D-Brace drill – boring/ drilling holes in wood
3. i) Stir up pump/ bucket pump

ii) Spraying livestock with acaricide
iii) A – Nozzle B – lance handle
iv) A – Atomises the acaricide into spray B – Direct the nozzle to the parts to be sprayed
4. Garden fork is a tool used in weeding in the nursery beds/and in carrot fields
5. The tool for checking the vertical straightness of a wall is Plumb bob and plumbline
6. A tool for removing nails from timber is a claw harmer (1mk)
7. Two examples of equipment that a livestock farmer can use in administering oral
anti-helminthes (1mk)
- Narrow necked bottle
- Drenching gun
- Dosing gun
8. (a) L...- Pickaxe M- Adjustable spanner

N..- Ring spanner O..- Pipe wrench
(b) Give one functional advantage of tool M over tool N (½
9. Tools used to perform functions on the farm

- Hand drill
- Bit brace
10. - Blockage of nozzles and filters leading to uneven or no release of spray.

- Control pump may slacken or loosen, making it difficult to regulate the rate of spraying.
- Inadequate operating pressure due to leakages in the compressor pump, hoses or control valves.
11. (a) - Elastrator and rubber ring.

- The burdizzo.
- Sharp knife / scalpel.
(iii) Extracting blood samples for laboratory analysis
12. most appropriate set of animal hand tools that a farmer uses for the following operations:-
(i) Restraining large full when taking it around the show ring-bull ring and lead stick (1mk)
O........................................
(ii) Cutting tail in sheep-rubber ring and elastrator.....
(1mk)
(iii) Extracting blood samples for laboratory analysis-hypodermic needle and syringe
13. Provision of extra and quality feeds to sheep, two or three weeks before mating
14. ai) On the diagram a provided below, draw the mark to indicate a pig number 147,
using the procedure of ear-notching in diagram above
ii) the recommended stage of growth in pigs at which the ear-notching should be carried out?
 before wearing/3-7 weeks of age/21-56 days/1 month-22months)
iii) three reasons why weight is an important routine management practice in pig production
 to determine growth rate i.e. weight gain
 facilitate administration of drugs e.g. drenching
 for feeding i.e. to know the amount of feed to give
 to determine the service/breeding time (1x3=3mks)
38
b) i)B-entrance
C-top bar/bar
D-top cover/lid(1x3=3mks)
ii) by applying bees wax/honey/molasses on the sides or top of the hive/jaggery/sheep

sorrel/saliva /sugar syrup (Accept concentrated sugar solution-reject-sugar solution) (1x1=1mk)
iii) Outline the procedure of opening the hive to harvest honey
smoke the hive through the entrance using a smoker then light the hid to remove the top bar(the order
must be considered) (1x2=2mks)
15. a) i) E-key hole saw/compass saw

F-wood chisel
G-cold/metal chisel
H-plumb bob (1/2x4=2mks)
ii) E-to cut or make key holes F-cutting timber
G-cutting metal H-checking whether a tall wall is vertical
iii) wooden hammer/mallet(1mk)
b)i) open castration/surgical castration (1mk)

ii) procedure you would follow when carrying out the practice named in( i) above in piglets
 restrain the piglets
 sterilize the blade
 disinfect the secretal sac
 slit the secretal sac to expose the testicle
 locate and hold the sperm duct
 cut the sperm dust by scrapping with the slide
 sew up the wound
 sterilize/disinfect the wound
 release the animal(piglet
16. i) A – Sickle
B- Pruning saw
C- Hoof cutter
D- Metal float
ii) A sickle is used in harvesting grass, rice, wheat by cutting
B Pruning saw is used for pruning tree crops, cutting hard stems in coffee
C Hoof cutter – Trimming hoofs in animals e.g. cattle, goats, sheep
D Float (wood or metal) smoothing concrete during plastering
iii) Maintenance on B
- Sharpen and reset the teeth
- Replace broken handle
- Oil the blade for long storage
17.
- Halter
- Rope
- Nose ring and leading stick
18. Mention the use of the following tools.

 Dibber.-making holes for transplanting
 Spoke shaves.-planning curved surface
 Tin snip.-cutting metal/iron sheets
 Burdizzo-castration (4x ½ =2mks)
39
19. four precautions that should be taken when using workshop tools and equipment.
 Use tools for correct purpose.
 Maintain them in good working conditions.
 Keep them safely after use.
 Handle tools correctly during use.
Use of safety devices / protective clothes
20. a) Bucket pump /stir - up pump (1x1 = 1mk)

b) Spraying acaricide on livestock (1x1 =1mk)
c) W - Nozzle
 X - Trigger
 Y - Pail /bucket
d)For holding acaricide solution during spraying. (1x1 = 1)
21. i) Identify the above diagram (1mk)

 Artificial vagina.
ii) Name the parts labelled A and B (2mks)
 A – warm water
 B – collecting cap
40
41
F1CH4 CROP PRODUCTION I
(LAND PREPARATION)
A piece of Land that has been prepared and is ready for planting is called a seedbed.
Land preparation mainly involves activities that make land suitable for planting and it entails ploughing or
digging, harrowing, riding and rolling. During land preparation the necessary physical conditions to be
achieved are as follows;
 Suitable size of soil clods.
 Suitable depth.
 Looseness of the soil.
 Absence of weeds.
Importance of land preparation.

 To kill weeds.
 To aerate the soil. (increase air circulation in the soil)
 To encourage water infiltration into the soil.
 To encourage penetration of roots in the soil.
 To incorporate manure and other organic matter into the soil.
 To destroy different stages of crop pest by burying them and exposing them to heat of the sun and
predators.
 To make subsequent operations possible such as planting, fertilizer application, rolling and ridging.
Operations in land preparation.

When carrying out land preparation the following operations are done;
 Land clearing.
 Primary cultivation.
 Secondary tillage.
 Tertiary operations.
Land clearing.
-Is the removal of vegetative cover from the surface before land is tilled.
-it is done to prepare land for cultivation and a land reclamation method.
Conditions necessary for land clearing.

 When opening up virgin land.
 Where there was a stalk growing crop previously planted.
 Where the interval /time between primary and secondary cultivation is long and the land has reverted
to the original state.
 Where land was left fallow for a long time.
42
Methods of land clearing.
 Tree felling- trees are cut down using axes, pangas and small power saws in small scale while
bulldozers and root rakers are used on large scale. Destumping or removal of stumps then follows
 Burning - fire is set on vegetation cover. This method is discouraged as it destroys organic matter,
soil micro-organism and plant nutrients.
 Slashing- small bushes and grass are cleared through slashing using a panga, slasher or tractor-
drawn mowers.
 Use of chemicals - herbicides are chemicals used to kill weeds. They kill weeds faster and easily.
Primary cultivation.
Involves hand digging using a jembe or fork jembe in small scale and in large scale mouldboard and disc
ploughs.
Primary cultivation should be done before onset pf rains to give time for all operations to be done in good
time.
Importance of primary cultivation
 To remove weeds.
 To bury organic matter for easy decomposition.
 To make planting easy.
 To facilitate water infiltration and aeration.
 To destroy soil-borne pests by exposing them to predators and sun.
Primary cultivation is achieved through;
 Hand digging-use of simple tools such as jembes, mattocks to cut and turn soil slices.
 Mechanical cultivation-tractor-drawn implements such as mouldboard and disc ploughs are used in
large scale. Hardpans are broken by subsoilers and rippers.
 Uses of Ox-plough- ox-ploughs are drawn by oxen during cultivation.
During primary cultivation farmers should consider the following aspects.
 Time of cultivation.
 Depth of cultivation.
 Choice of the correct implements.
i. Time of cultivation.
 Land should be prepared well before onset of rains.
 This is to give weeds and other vegetation enough time to dry up and decompose into organic
matter.
 Early land preparation also gives enough time for other subsequent operations to be done.
ii. Depth of cultivation.
Depth of ploughing is determined by the following factors;
 Type of crop to be planted-deep rooted crops requires deeply cultivated soils. Shallow
rooted crops may not need deep cultivation.
 Implements available-some implements cannot cut the soil beyond certain depths.
43
 Type of the soil- heavy soils are hard when they dry and implements such as jembes and fork
jembes tend to dig at shallow depth on hard soils.
iii. Choice of the correct implements.

The choice of the correct implements is determined by:
 Condition of the land-land with a lot of stumps and stones cannot be ploughed using jembes and
mouldboard plough. A disc plough is suitable as it would not break easily when working.
 Type of tilth required- fine tilth requires the use of different implements.
 Depth of cultivation- when deep cultivation is required heavy implements are necessary.
Secondary cultivation.
 These are operations that follow the primary cultivation.
 It is also referred to as harrowing.
 In small scale farmer use implements such as jembes, pangas and garden rakes.
 In large scale farmers use tractor-drawn harrows such as discs, spike-toothed and spring-tines.
State and explain factors that determines the number of times secondary cultivation is done
 Size of planting materials-big seeds require rough seedbed hence few operations compared to small
ones such as finger millet that need fine tilth.
 Slope of the land- fine seedbed are discouraged on hilly land as it encourages soil erosion and
therefore less operations are required.
 Moisture content of the soil-in dry soils, fewer operations are preferred to conserve the available
moisture.
 Condition of land after primary cultivation-incase of more trash, more harrowing operations
should be done to mix the trash with the soil.
Importance of secondary cultivation.

 To remove any weeds that might have germinated after primary cultivation.
 To break soil clods into small pieces for easy planting.
 To incorporate organic matter into the soil to encourage decomposition before planting.
 To level the field in order to achieve a uniform planting depth.
Tertiary operations.
 These are operations that are carried out to suit production of certain crops such as Irish potatoes,
sweet potatoes, cassava and ground nuts.
 Tertiary operations are carried out after land clearing, primary cultivation and secondary cultivation.
 They include ridging, rolling and leveling.
Ridging
Process of digging soil in a continuous line and heaping it on one side to form a bund (ridge) and a furrow.
Importance of ridging
 Encourages tuber expansion.

 Allows easy harvesting of root crops.
 Furrows help to conserve soil and water.
44
Rolling
Compaction of loose soil or fine tilth.
Importance of rolling.
 Prevents tiny seeds from being carried away by wing and soil erosion.
 It increases seed soil contact.
Leveling.
Practice of making soil surface flat and uniform.
Importance of leveling.
 It promotes easy germination of small seeded crops such as wheat.

 It facilitates uniform germination of seeds.
Subsoiling.
 Is the process of cultivating the soil for the purpose of breaking up the harpans which might as a
result of continuous use of heavy machines during land preparation.
 Implements used include subsoilers, chisel ploughs or cultivators.
Importance of subsoiling.
 Helps to break up hard pans.
 Facilitates adequate gaseous exchange in the soil.
 Brings to the surface minerals that might have leached to deeper layers.
Minimum tillage
This is the application of various farming practices that aims at least (less) disturbance of the soil.
Farming practices that are carried out during minimum tillage.

 Application of herbicides to control weeds instead of weeding by cultivation.
 Use of mulch on soil surface prevents weeds from growing by smothering them.
 Timing cultivation.
 Establishing a cover crop on the field.
 Uprooting or slashing weeds in perennial crops.
 Restricting cultivation to areas where seeds are to be planted.
Reasons for carrying out minimum tillage.

 To reduce cost of cultivation by reducing number of operations.
 To control soil erosion through mulching and cover cropping.
 To maintain soil structure.
 To conserve moisture as continuous cultivation exposes the soil to heat from sun hence evaporation
of moisture.
 To prevent disturbance of roots and underground structures such as tubers and bulbs.
 To prevent exposure of humus to adverse conditions such as heat from sun which cause volatilization
of nitrogen.
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TOPICAL QUESTIONS
CROP PRODUCTION I (LAND PREPARATION)
- Land preparation entails the following farming practices.
- Land clearing or bush clearing tools, chemicals and equipment used.
- Primary cultivation, tools and equipment as machines used.
- Primary cultivation, tools and equipment as machines used.
- Secondary cultivation, tools and equipment used.
- Tertiary operations e.g. ridging, rolling and leveling.
- Sub-soiling, tools used and reasons for the same.
- Minimum tillage and reasons for the secure.
The following relevant questions and their answers in this topic will greatly help and motivate
the user to comprehend and understand the required concepts and farming practices:
1. Give three factors that determine depth of ploughing during land preparation
2. List four reasons for cultivating land before planting
3. (a) What is minimum tillage?
(b) Give four farming practices that help in achieving minimum tillage.
4. (a) Describe the establishment of grass pasture from the time the land is ploughed using a mould
board plough to the time the pasture is ready for grazing
(b) Explain five practices that a farmer should carry out to ensure uniform germination of seeds
(c) Describe five factors that determine the number of cultivations when preparing a seedbed
5. State four physical conditions of the seedbed that need to be changed to facilitate germination
6. State four importance of sub soiling as a tertiary operation
7. Outline four advantages of rolling in seedbed preparation
8. State four disadvantages of minimum tillage
9. The diagram below illustrate a tertiary operation carried out in the farm
a) Identify the tertiary operation

b) (i) State the importance of the tertiary operation identified in 20(a) above
(ii) Give two other tertiary operations carried out in the field besides the one identified above
10. Give two reasons why it is advisable to cultivate the field during the dry season
11. How are hard pans caused by cultivation?
12. Give four factors that determine the number of secondary cultivation operations
13. Define the term minimum tillage
14. List four advantages of timely planting
15. State any two factors that determine the number of cultivation on a field before it is ready for
planting
17. Give three benefits of timely planting of annual crops
18. State four factors determining the depth of ploughing land
MARKING SCHEME.
1. three factors that determine depth of ploughing during land preparation
 Crop to be planted
 Implement available
Type of soil
2. Four reasons for cultivating land before planting.
- To improve soil aeration.
- To improve germination.
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- Destroy weeds.
- Destroy weeds.
- Incorporate organic matter in the soil.
- Increase water infiltration.
3. (a)Is a situation in which least possible cultivation operations are carried out in crop
production.
(b) - Clearing the land / bush clearing.
- Using appropriate chemicals to kill the existing vegetation.
- Weeding using herbicides.
- Planting / drilling seeds directly into the stubble of previous crop.
4. (a) - Harrow the land to a fine filth;
- Harrow during the dry or before the rains;
- Make the seed be weed – free / ensure clean seed bed;
- Firm the seed bed using rollers after sowing;
- Select a desirable variety of seed for the ecological zone,;
- Sow seeds at the onset rains/ early planting;
- Apply phosphatic fertilizers at appropriate rate of 200 – 300 kgs/ ha at planting time;
- Drill or broadcast the seeds evenly;
- Use a recommended seed rate for the variety / seed rate of 1.5 – 2.0 kh/ha pure seeds;
- Bury seeds at 2 ½ times their diameter;
- Control weeds by uprooting/ apply a suitable herbicide;
- Apply nitrogenous fertilizers about 6 weeks after germination in split application.
- Avoid grazing when the pasture is too young.
- Practice light grazing in the field phase of pasture establishment. (10 x 1 = 10 mk)
(b) - Select seeds of the same size, variety, age and free from pests and diseases.
- Plant seeds at the same time.
- Prepare the whole field to required uniform tilth.
- Plant at the right moisture content of the soil / irrigation uniformly.
- Treat seeds before planting i.e. break dormancy.
- Plant at the correct depth. (5 x 1 = 5 mks)
(c) - Soil moisture content.
- Type of soil.
- Cost of operation.
- Size of seed/ type of planting material/ type of crop.
- Type of machinery available / use of tractors.
- Topography / gradient of the land/ liability of soil erosion.
- Skills of the operator.
- Initial conditions of the land/ the cropping history of the land.
- Time available to carry out the operation before planting.
5. Four physical conditions of the seedbed that need to be changed to facilitate
Germination
- Size of soil clods (clods (made small or medium size
- Appropriate soil depth
- Soil looseness
- Should be weed free
- Soil moisture content improved
6. Four importance of sub soiling as a tertiary operation

- Brings leached nutrients to the surface
- Breaks hard pans
- Promotes aeration of the soil
- Promotes water infiltration
- Ensures better root penetration
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7. Four advantages of rolling in seedbed preparation are:
 Press the seeds against the soil moisture
 Controls soil erosion
 Ensure uniform germination
 Controls removal of small seeds by wind
 Breaks large soil cods
8. four disadvantages of minimum tillage
 The less porous surface increased soil erosion especially in heavily sols
 Difficulty in weed control
 Speed of planting to reduce due to large amount of residues in the soil and big clods
Leads to accumulating of soil borne pests and diseases
9. a) - ridging
b) (i) Encourage tuber expansion
 Allow easy harvesting of crop roots
(ii) Rolling
- Leveling
10.
- Leads to timely planting
- Weeds are appropriately controlled especially the perennial such as couch grass
- Farmers take advantage of availability of labour reducing the cost of labour
- Control of soil borne pests
Gives time for better organic decomposition
11. - By repeated cultivation at the same depth;
- Cultivating the soil when wet using heavy machinery;
12. - Type and size of planting material;
- Topography/slope f land;
- Soil moisture content;
- (Initial) condition of land/amount of vegetation on the land;
-Capital available
- Type of implement used;
13. It is the least number of cultivation operations either during preparation of the seed bed or
during the management of the crops.
14.
 Market demand
 Type of crop to be planted
 Moisture condition of the soil and rainfall pattern
 Prevalence of pests and diseases
 Prevalence of weeds
15. two factors that determine the number of cultivation on a field before it is ready for planting
 purpose of crop  weather
 moisture content  market demand
 concentration of desired chemical
16. - Enables crop to benefit maximumly from available moisture
-Crops make use of nitrogen flush available at that time
-Crops fetch high market prices
-Crops escape from pests and diseases
-There is high vigour in crops that resist diseases
-Ensures timely harvesting
17. - type of crop to be planted
-Implements available
-Type of soil
-Climatic conditions
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49
F1CH5 WATER SUPPLY, IRRIGARION AND DRAINAGE PAPER 1
Sources of water
There are three sources of water;
 Surface water-common sources are rivers, streams, lakes and dams.

 Underground water-comes from springs, wells and boreholes.
 Rain water-collected from rooftops and stored in tanks during the rainy seasons.
WATER COLLECTION AND STORAGE.
Ways of collecting and storing water.
 Dams.
 Weirs.
 Water tanks.
Difference between a dam and weir.
 Dam-a barrier constructed across a river or dry valley to hold water and raise its level to for, a
reservoir or lake.
 Weir- is a barrier constructed across the river to raise water level and still allow the water to flow
over it.
Pumps and pumping of water.
Pumping is the lifting of water from one point to another by use of mechanical force either for use or
storage.
Types of water pumps.
 Centrifugal or rotardynamic pumps.

 Piston or reciprocating pumps.
 Semi-rotatry pumps.
 Hydram.
Conveyance of water.
It is the process of moving water from one point mostly the source to where it will be used or stored.
Methods of conveying water
 Piping.
 Use of containers.
 Use of canals.
WATER TREATMENT PROCESS.
Importance of treating water.
 To kill disease causing micro-organisms such as cholera and typhoid bacteria.

 To remove chemical impurities such as excess fluoride that may be harmful to human beings.
 To remove smells and bad taste.
 To remove sediments of solid particles such as soil, sand and sticks.
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The process of water treatment.
The process of water treatment involves 6 different stages.
 Filtration at water intake.

 From the source such as a river, water passes through a series of sieves of different sizes before
entering intake pipe.
 First sieve has large meshes, second sieve has medium and the last has tiny sieves.
 Large particles are trapped in the sieves.
 Softening of water.
 Water flow in to the mixing chamber (a small tank where water circulates and is mixed with soda
ash and alum.
 Soda ash softens the water.
 Alum helps to coagulate solid particles that finally settle down to the bottom of the sedimentation
tank in the next stage.
 Coagulation and sedimentation.
 Softened water moves to coagulation tank where solid particles such as sand settle down.
 The tank is also opened to allow fresh air into the water hence removing bad smells.
 Water should stay in this tank for at least 36 hours to kill bilharzia worms that cannot survive in
water stored that long.
 Filtration.
 Water passes into the filtration tank where all the remaining solid particles are removed.
 Filtration tank has layers of gravel of different sizes and atop layer of sand.
 From the bottom of the tank is a layer of large pieces of gravel, followed by medium size gravel
layer then a layer of gravel of fine texture.
 At the top is fine sand placed on fine gravel layer.
 All these layers allow water to seep through very slowly leaving all the soil particles behind.
 Water leaves the tank when clean.
 Chlorination.
 Filtered water enters the chlorination tank.
 Here small amount of chlorine solution is added depending on the volume of water and outbreak of
water-borne diseases.
 Chlorine is used to kill micro-organisms in water.
 Storage.
 It is the final stage where treated water is stored in a large tank before distribution.
 The tank should be out of bound to unauthorized persons, should be properly covered and area
around it fenced.
General uses of water on the farm.
 For domestic purposes such as washing animals, cooking, drinking etc.

 For watering livestock.
 Used for diluting chemicals that are used in the controlling of pests and diseases in both crops and
livestock.
 Used during processing of farm produce such as coffee, carrots, beets, hides and skins.
 Used for irrigating crops especially during dry season.
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IRRIGATION
 Refers to the artificial application of water to the soil for the purpose of supplying sufficient moisture
to the crops.
 Irrigation is used as a land reclamation method.
Conditions that necessitate irrigation.
 In dry areas
 During dry periods.
 When growing paddy rice.
Types of irrigation.
There are four types of irrigation.
 Surface irrigation-water is brought to crop field through canals or furrows.

 Sub-surface irrigation-involves laying perforated pipes underground to allow water to pass through
tiny holes and wet the soil around root zones.
 Drip or trickle irrigation-a type of irrigation that uses plastic pipes with tiny perforations or bottles
place above the ground to drip water on the ground.
 Overhead or sprinkler irrigation-this is where water is applied above the crops by means of
sprinklers or watering cans.
Factors to consider when choosing the type of irrigation method to use on the farm.
 Availability of capital.
 Availability of water.
 Topography of the land (slope)
 Type of soil.
 Type of crop to be irrigated.
Surface irrigation
 Water is brought to crop field through canals or furrows.

 There are other methods under surface irrigation.
 Flood irrigation-water is allowed to flow into the field from the source through furrows and canals
freely.
 Furrow irrigation-water flows from irrigation canals through gates and furrows leaving crops
planted on ridges.
 Basin irrigation-involves flooding the whole area enclosed by dykes or levees.
Sub-surface irrigation.
 Involves laying perforated pipes underground to allow water to pass through tiny holes and wet the
soil around root zones.
 Require soil of high capillarity and water holding capacity.
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Advantages of Sub-surface irrigation.
 Less labour is requires.

 No need of constructing dykes, leveling or making level basins.
 Can be practiced both on slopy and flat land.
 Minimizes possible theft of pipes.
 Water does not cause erosion because it comes out in small amounts.
 Fungal diseases such as blight are reduced since water does not accumulate on leaves.
 Less water is used.
Disadvantages of sub-surface irrigation.
 It is expensive as it requires purchasing pipes and laying them.

 Pipes can be broken during weeding or land preparation.
 Nozzles can get blocked making irrigation inefficient.
Drip or trickle irrigation.
 a type of irrigation that uses plastic pipes with tiny perforations or bottles place above the ground to
drip water on the ground.
Advantages of Drip or trickle irrigation.
 Little amount of water is required compared to other methods.

 Water under low pressure can be used as long as it can flow.
 It discourages fungal diseases as water does not accumulate on leaves.
 It does not encourage growth of weeds between rows.
Disadvantages of Drip or trickle irrigation.
 Pipes are expensive to buy

 It requires clean water only as dirty water blocks the perforations.
Overhead or sprinkler irrigation.
 This is where water is applied above the crops by means of sprinklers or watering cans.
 Rotating sprinklers mounted on vertical pipes applies water in form of spray under high pressure.
Maintenance of sprinklers and pipes used in overhead irrigation.
 Lubricating the rotating parts to reduce friction.

 Repairing of broken parts.
 Cleaning to unblock nozzles.
Advantages of overhead irrigation.
 Water is evenly distributed over required area.

 Less water is wasted than in furrow irrigation.
 Can be practiced on slopy land.
 Foliar fertilisers can be applied together with irrigation water hence reducing labour costs.
 Sprinklers system can easily be moved from one place to another.
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Disadvantages of overhead irrigation.
 It is expensive in installation.
 It encourages fungal diseases such as CBD, as water accumulates on the leaves.
 It causes soil erosion if not properly controlled especially on slopy grounds.
 It may require establishment of windbreaks.
 Maintenance of the system requires a lot of skill and is also expensive.
DRAINAGE.
 This is a method of removing excess water or lowering the water table from a marshy
waterlogged land.
 It is also a method of land reclamation.
Reasons/ importance of drain as a land reclamation method.
 To increase soil aeration/ air circulation.

 To increase soil volume.
 To raise soil temperatures.
 To increase microbial activities.
 To reduce soil erosion.
 To remove toxic substances whose concentration increase due to waterlogging.
Methods of drainage.
 Use of open ditches.

 Use of underground drain pipes.
 Use of French drains.
 Use of cambered beds.
 Pumping of water.
 Planting of trees such as eucalyptus species.
WATER POLLUTION.
Pollution is defined as any process that leads to harmful increase in the amount of chemical substances or
forms of energy released into the environment by human activities.
Agricultural practices that pollute water.
 Use of inorganic fertilisers.

 Use of pesticides.
 Poor cultivation practices such as overstocking, overgrazing and cultivation along the riverbanks.
Methods of preventing water pollution.
 Carrying out soil conservation a measure that minimizes losses of soil through erosion.
 Fencing of water sources to reduce possible pollution by livestock or humans.
 River banks should be vegetated by planting grass to minimize siltation in rivers.
 Need to enact or enforce laws to use integrated methods that are non-chemical in controlling pests
and weeds.
 Use of adequate storm water control methods and disposal systems in areas of heavy rainfall.
54
TOPICAL QUESTIONS.
WATER SUPPLY, IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE
1. State two reasons for treating water for us on the farm

2. State three reasons for draining swampy land before growing crops
3. Use the diagram below of irrigation method to answer the questions that follow.
a) Identify the method of irrigation

b) State four advantages of the above irrigation system
c) State three factors that determine the type of irrigation on the farm
d) State two disadvantages o f the above system of irrigation
4. a) What is irrigation
b) Outline three methods of irrigation
5. a) List four use of water on the farm
b) Give four methods of harvesting water on the farm
c) Outline the stages involved in water treatment process
6. List any four uses of water in the farm
7. State two types of irrigation used in Kenya
8. Outline four disadvantages of cambered beds
Describe the process of water treatment
9. Give four roles of drainage as a method of land reclamation
10. Name two types of water pumps which can be used in the farm
11. Name any four examples of working capital in maize production
12. List four types of water pumps which can be used in the farm
13. State four methods of drainage
14. Distinguish between a dam and a weir
15. How do the government control prices of essential farm produce
16. What is the difference between pumping and piping of water in the farm?
17. List four reasons of draining water logged soils before planting.
18. Give three Agricultural practices which lead to water pollution
19. The diagrams below illustrate some methods of irrigating crops in the field. Study the diagrams
and answer the questions that follow:
(a) Identify the methods used ; (i) A (ii) B

(b) State two advantages of method A over method B
55
(c) What material should be inserted at point T
b) Name two farming practice that cause water pollution
20. Give four reasons for practicing irrigation
22. a) State four importance of water to plants
b) State four reasons for treating water before use
c) Describe water treatment system in a chemical treatment plant
23. Name four diseases caused to man by drinking untreated water
24. State the functions of the following chemicals as used in water treatment;
(a) Chlorine.
(b) Aluminum sulphate (AIlum)
21. The diagrams labeled S and T illustrate some methods of draining waterlogged fields; use it to
answer the questions that follow:
(a) Identify the methods illustrated

(b) What are the materials in S labeled M and N
(c) Name two types of crops that can be planted in the field instead of carrying out the practice
illustrated in S and T
(d) What is the importance of carrying out land reclamation?
Marking scheme.
WATER SUPPLY, IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE

1. State two reasons for treating water for us on the farm
 Remove chemical impurities
 Remove foreign material
 Remove disease earning organisms
Remove bad smell & taste
2. State three reasons for draining swampy land before growing crops
 Increase soil volume
 Improve aeration
 Increases activities of micro organisms
 Control erosion
Reduce toxic substance in soil
3. a )Sprinkle irrigation
b) four advantages of the above irrigation system
 Little water required
 Done on nay topography
 Control weeds between rows
 Water under low pressure
 Prevent fungal diseases
c) three factors that determine the type of irrigation on the farm
 Where tree crops are planted
 Little water supply
 Enough capital for the method is available
 Slope land 3x ½ = 1 ½ mks

56
d) two disadvantages o f the above system of irrigation
 Difficult to carry field mechanization
 Require a lot of capital
 Require clean water
 Regular repair of broken pipes and blocked pipes
Applicable where tree plants are grown
4. a) Artificial√ application of water to the soil surface for purpose of supplying enough
moisture√ for plants growth(mark whole)
b) Surface,
overhead,
subsurface,
drip/trickle
5. a) four use of water on the farm
 Irrigation
 Domestic use
 Diluting chemicals
 Construction work
 Watering livestock and washing buildings
 Processing farm produce(1/2x4=2mks)
b) four methods of harvesting water on the farm (2mks)
 roof cantonment
 weirs
 rock cantonment
 dams
 ponds
c) the stages involved in water treatment process

 filtration of water intake
 softening
 coagulation and sedimentation
 filtration in tanks
 chlorination storage (1/2x6=3mks)
6. four uses of water in the farm.
- For diluting chemicals used to control pests.
- For watering livestock.
- For watering plants e.g. irrigation.
- For washing utensils, calf pen bully sheds.
- For domestic use e.g. drinking, cooking.
- For rearing fish.
- For recreation
- Processing of farm produce.
- In construction of buildings.
7. two types of irrigation used in Kenya.
- Overhead / sprinkler.
- Surface / Flood / furrow/ basin.
- Drip/ trickle.
8. Four disadvantages cambered beds
- High cost of maintenance
- Provides breeding ground for vectors of malaria
- Prevents proper mechanization of the farm
- Labour intensive
57
(c) Stage I: Filtration of water intake.
- Water from source river is made to pass through a series of sieves.
- Large particles of impurities are trapped by the sieves.
- Water then enters into the large pipe to be directed to the mixing chamber.
Stage II: Softening of the water.
- Water circulates in the mixing chamber and doses of soda ash to soften the water.
Stage III: Coagulation and sedimentation
- Water is passed through coagulation tank where fresh air enters to remove bad smell/ chloride of
lime used.
- Water stays for 36 hours thus solid particles settle and bilharzias causing organisms killed.
- Alum added to coagulated solid particles which settle at the bottom.
Stage IV: Filtration
- Water is passed through filtration tank with layers of sand and gravel to filter it.
- Water leaving the filtration tank is clean.
Stage V: Chlorination
- Water is passed through chlorination tank where chlorine is added.
- Micro-organisms in the water are killed by chlorine.
Stage VI: Storage
- The treated water is stored in large overhead tanks before distribution and use.
9. - Improves soil aeration
- Raises soil temperature
- Increases activities of micro- organisms
- Increases soil volume
- Prevent accumulation of poisonous substances in the soil
10. - Semi-rotary
- Hydram
- Piston/ reciprocating
- Centrifugal
- Rotary
11. Four examples of working capital in maize production are;
 Seeds
 fertilizer
 Herbicides
 Pesticides
 Fuel fragticides
 Casual labour (4x ½ = 2mks)
12. four types of water pumps which can be used in the farm
 Centrifugal/rotadynathic pumps
 Piston/reciprocating pump
 Semi-Rotan pump
 Hydram pump
13. four methods of drainage

Open ditches
 Under ground drain pipes
 French drains
 Cambered beds
 Pumping
 Planting of trees/planting of trees such as Eucalyptus
58
14. A dam is a barrier constructed a cross a river or a dry valley to hold water and raise its level
to form a reservoir or lake
 A weir is a barrier constructed across a river to raise the level of water and still allow water to flow
over it
15. - Giving subsidies by reducing the cost of production inputs
Fixes prices of the related products
16. – Piping is the conveyance of water through pipes from one place to the other while pumping is the
lifting of water from one point to another by use of mechanical force;
17.
 To facilitate the action of soil living organisms
 To check or reduce leaching
 To moderate or increase soil temperature
 To reduce accumulation of dissolved soil salts
 To reduce erosion rate of top soil
 To improve soil structure
 To increase effectiveness of phosphorous fertilizer and conserve soil nitrogen
 As a way of reclaiming areas such as coastal plains and the river belts which may have high water
tables
 In rice fields, water should be controlled by draining the water for a different crop cycle.
18.
 Allowing livestock to graze near water sources often results in organic waste products being washed
into the water ways.
 Fertilizer application
 Pesticides
 Over grazing
 Irrigation
 Over cultivation
 Use of farm machinery
19. a) i) A – Drop/ trickle irrigation
ii) B – Sprinkler/ overhead irrigation
b) Two advantages of method A over method B
- Conserves water
- Does not damage flowers, leaves
- Does not cause splash/ splatter irrigation
- Does not encourage spread of fungal diseases from crop to crop
- Does not encourage the growth of weeds all over the field
- Agro- chemical can be dissolved in the water and directly applied to the crop
c) i) Cotton wool
ii) Rough sand
21. four reasons for practicing irrigation
 Increase crop production by applying adequate moisture
 To reclaim dry areas
 To meet moisture requirement of crops
 To produce and benefit from off season crops
 Growing of paddy vice
23. - to prevent rotting
-For processing
- For long storage
- Prevent pest and disease attack
24. (a) Kill germs
(b) For sedimentation
21. S- French drainage T- Vambedred peds M – soil- stones
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60
F1CH6 SOIL FERTILITY PP1
(ORGANIC MANURES)
Soil fertility is the ability of the soil to provide crops with the required nutrients in proper proportions for
high production.
Characteristics of fertile soil.

 Should have good depth.
 Should have proper drainage.
 Should have good water holding capacity.
 Should have adequate nutrients supply.
 Should have correct Ph.
 Should be free from excessive infestation of soil borne pests and diseases.
Ways through which soil losses fertility.
 Leaching.
 It is the carrying down of soluble mineral nutrients from the soil by infiltrating water to lower
horizon beyond the reach of plant roots.
 Soil erosion.
 It is the carrying away of top fertile soil caused by water, wind and animals.
 It leads to loss of good soil and plant nutrients rendering soil infertility.
 Monocropping.
 Also called monoculture.
 It is the practice of growing one type of crop on a piece of land over a long time.
 The crop grown uses only those nutrients it requires while the other nutrients remain unused.
 This results to exhaustion of particular nutrients leading to deficiency.
 Burning of vegetation.
 Burning of vegetation leads to:
 Destruction of organic matter hence soil structure is destroyed as well.
 Micro-organisms are also destroyed interfering with microbial activities.
 Soil is exposed to agents of soil erosion.
 Accumulation of ashes formed cause nutrient imbalance in the soil leading to unavailability
of some nutrients.
 Continuous cropping.
 Large amount of nutrients are harvested with crops and eaten by animals as well.
 The nutrients removed from soil are taken away and never returned.
 Change in pH.
 It is brought about by use of acidic and basic fertilizer over a long period of time which lowers or
raises the pH.
 This change affects activity of soil micro-organisms and availability of soil nutrients.
 Accumulation of salts.
 Due to high evaporation and poor drainage there is salt accumulation or salinization in or on the soil.
 Slats cause water deficiency in plants and also leads to change in soil pH.
Ways through which soil fertility is maintained.
 Control of soil pH.  Minimum tillage.
 Practicing crop rotation.  Use of manure
 Control of soil pH.  Use of inorganic fertilisers.
 Proper drainage.
 Weed control.
 Intercropping (mixed cropping.)
61
ORGANIC MANURES.
These are organic substances added to the soil to provide one or more plants nutrients.They supply organic
matter to the soil that decomposes to release plant nutrients.
Importance of organic matter in the soil.
 It increases the water holding capacity of the soil hence increasing infiltration rate.
 It improves soil fertility by releasing a wide range of nutrients in the soil.
 It improves the soil structure.
 It provides food and shelter for important soil micro-organisms that carry out decomposition of
organic matter.
 It buffers/ moderates soil pH.
 It reduces the toxicity of plant poisons that may have built up due to continuous use of pesticides and
fungicides.
 Helps to moderate soil temperature.
Problems associated with the use of manures.
 Bulkiness-They have a low nutritive value per unit volume hence they need to be used in large
amount to supply the required nutrients.
 Laborious in application and transport-require more labour to transport and apply making
increasing cost of production.
 Loss of nutrients-if poorly stored soluble nutrients are easily leached and some are volatilized.
 Spread diseases, pest and weeds.
 If used and not fully decomposed they release nutrients that scorch the crops.
TYPES OF ORGANIC MANURES.
Manures are classified into;
 Green manure.
 Farmyard manure.
 Compost manure.
Green manures.
 A type of manure made from green plants which are planted for the purposes of incorporating into
the soil hence improving soil fertility.
Characteristics of plants used as green manures.
 Should be highly vegetative or leafy.

 Should have a fast growth rate.
 Should have high nitrogen content, thus leguminous plants are preferred.
 They should rot quickly.
 The plants should be hardy, i.e. they should be capable of growing in poor conditions.
Explain four reasons why green manure is not commonly used today.
 Most crops are food crops hence it is hard for farmers to use them as green manure.
 Green manure crops may use up most of the moisture and leave very little for the next crop.
 Most nutrients are used up by micro-organism in process of decomposing the green manure plant
incorporated in the soil.
 It takes time for green manure crops to decompose and hence planting is delayed.
Preparation of green manure.
 Crops to be used as green manures are planted in the field.

 They are allowed to grow up to flowering stage and then incorporated into the soil through
ploughing.
 They are allowed to decompose and thereafter the field is prepared for planting major crop.
62 | P a g e (Notes prepared by Mr Namaye Vincent- Agriculture & Biology teacher-year2020.)
Farmyard manure.
 Involves a mixture of animals waste(urine and dung) and crop residues as bedding materials and the
mixture is allowed time to decompose.
Factors that determine the quality of farmyard manure.
 The type of animal used-

 Type of food eaten-
 Type of litter used-
 Method of storage-
 Age of the farmyard manure-
Preparation of farmyard manure.
 Beddings such as a layer of grass, wood shavings or sawdust are provided in the animal house.
 Animals drop urine and mix with the beddings through trampling.
 After sometime the beddings are replaced.
 The removed beddings are usually deposited in a prepared shed as new layers of used beddings are
continuously added to form a heap.
 With time, decomposition and mineralization occurs resulting in rich manure.
 The manure can then be used in the farm.
 Compost manure,
 This is manure prepared from composted (heaped) organic materials such as plant residues, kitchen
refuse and leftovers and animal waste.
 Farmers should avoid materials such as synthetics and plants with pest, diseases and weed seeds.
Factors to consider when selecting a site for making compost manure.
 A well-drained place to avoid waterlogging that leaches nutrients from manure.
 Accessibility-the site must be easy to reach to make it easy for transportation of materials.
 Size of the farm- the site should be centrally placed to the area of the farm.
 Direction of prevailing wind-avoid direct drift from compost manure to dwelling places to prevent
bad odour being blown to the homesteads.
Preparation of compost manure.
There are two methods used in preparation of compost manure;
o Indore method.(pit method)
o Four heap system (stack method)
 Indore method. (Pit method)
 Materials are packed in layers into a pit 1.2m long, 1.2m wide and 1.2m deep.
 Starting at the bottom are fibrous materials such as maize stalks which form the foundation.
 They are the followed by a layer of grass, leaves or any refuse material.
 They are followed by a layer of well rotten manure. It is added to provide nutrients to the micro-
organisms.
 This layer is then followed by a thin layer of wood ash that is added to improve the level of
phosphorus and potassium in the resulting manure.
 Then a layer of topsoil is added to introduce micro-organisms necessary for decomposition of the
organic materials.
 The sequence is repeated until the pit is full.
 A layer of soil is added to cover the pit
NOTE;
 In dry season keep the material moist by adding water.
 When the plants used are mature and old, nitrogenous fertiliser should be added to raise the level
nitrogen in the manure.
 The materials should not be compacted to increase air supply for fermentation

Pit should be covered to prevent entry of too much water that causes leaching and poor
decomposition due to waterlogging.
 Five pits are dug in a series with pit I, II, III and IV filled with fresh materials.
 After 3-4 weeks, the materials in pit IV should be moved to empty pit V, materials in pit III moved to
IV, those in pit II moved to III and materials in pit I transferred to pit II.
 The process is repeated until the materials that were fist prepared first is well rotten and taken to the
field as compost manure.
 Four heap system (stack method)
X Y X
Z
 Four heaps are used.
 Materials in each heap are crop residues, animal’s wastes, old farmyard manure, inorganic fertiliser
and topsoil.
 Materials are placed in heap marked X as shown below and transferred to heap Y after 3-4 weeks.
 They are then again moved to heap Z after 3-4 weeks where they stay for another 3-4 weeks and the
taken to the field as compost. The manure is ready for use after 6 months.
Notes;
 A long sharp pointed stick is driven into the heap to check for temperature.
 If the temperatures are high water should be added.
TOPICAL QUESTIONS.
SOIL FERTILITY 1 (ORGANIC MANURE)
1. State two roles of humus in the soil that are beneficial to crops
2. List four characteristic of fertile soil
3. The diagram below illustrates a compost heap. Study it and answer the questions that follow
a) Name the part labeled Q and state its function

b) What is the function of each of the following components in preparation of compost manure
i) Top soil

ii) Wood ash
iii) Rotten manure
4. The illustration below shows a four heap system of making compost manure. Study it and answer
the questions that follow.
A B A
FIELD
(a) By use of arrows indicate on the diagram above how the following material should be
transferred from one heap to another till the manure is applied in the field
(b) How long does the material take to be ready for application in the field as manure?
(c) Give a reason for turning the material in the heap regularly
(d) Give two reasons why it is necessary to sprinkle water on the heap
5. Name four indicators of well-decomposed manure
6. (a) State two factors that should be considered when siting a compost manure heap
(b) When preparing compost manure, explain the importance of each of the following:-
(i) Addition of ash
(ii) Regular turning of the compost manure
7. What is leaching?
8. State four advantages of adding organic matter to a sandy soil
9. (a) Describe the preparation of the following farm materials:-
(i) Farm yard manure
(ii) Hay
(b) Explain the factors considered in timely planting of annual crops
10. A ration containing 18% protein is to be made from maize and sunflower cake. Given
that maize contains 7% protein, and sunflower seed cake 34% protein. Use Pearson square
method to calculate the value of feedstuffs to be used to prepare 100kgs of the feed
ii) A part from Pearson square method, name two other methods that can be used to formulate
feed ration
MARKING SCHEME
SOIL FERTILITY 1 (ORGANIC MANURE)
1. two roles of humus in the soil that are beneficial to crops
 Provide nutrients
 Increase water holding capacity
 Increase soil temperature
Neutral soil PH
2. Four characteristic of fertile soil (2mks)
 Well drained
 Correct PH
 Good water holding capacity
 Adequate plant nutrients
 Free from pest and diseases
 Correct soil nutrients
3. a) Q-stick√
Function-checking temperature√ and other conditions within the heap
b) i) Top soil-introduces organisms to effect composition√

ii) Wood ash-increases the level of phosphorus and potassium√
iii) Rotten manure-provides food for micro-organism√
4. The illustration below shows a heap system of making compost manure. Study it and answer
the questions that follow.
A B A
THE FIELD
a) use of arrows indicate how the decomposing material should be transferred from one heap
to another till the manure is applied in the field.
b)- 3 - 6 wks
c) one reason for turning the material in the heap regularly.
- Proper decomposition.
- Facilitate air circulation.
- Microbial activities.
d) two reasons why it is necessary to sprinkle water on the heap.
- To regulate the internal temperatures in the heap.
- Create moist environment for microbial activity.
5. Four indicators of well-decomposed manure
- Absence of bad odour and instead the smell of forest soil
- Light weight
- Brown colour
- Moist but not wet
- - Original nature of material not noticeable (½ x 4pts = 2mks)
6. (a) Two factors that should be considered when siting a compost manure heap are:-
 Accessibility
 Drainage
 Direction of prevailing wind
 Size of the farm/proximity
(b) Five advantages of rotation grazing are: (5mks)
 Livestock with maximum use of pastures
 Reduces buildup of parasites and diseases
 Animal waste evenly distributed
 Pasture area given time to regenerate
 Excess pasture conserved
 Possible to apply fertilizer in the parts of the pasture which are not in use (5x1=5mks)
7. It is movement of dissolved nutrients front p soil to lower horizons of soil becoming
Unravel able to crops
8.
- Improves soil structure
- Adds nutrients
- Increases cation exchange capacity
- Increases microbial activity in the soil
- Improves water holding capacity/ reduces leaching
- Buffers soil PH
Moderates soil temperature
9. (a) (i) Preparation of farm yard manure:-
- Collect animal waste/refuse/dung and urine;
- Collect animal bedding/litter and other rotten plant residues;
- Store collected materials under roof/shed to prevent leaching and oxidization of nutrients;
- Turnover the materials regularly;
- Sprinkle water if dry;
- leave the material to rote completely before use; (6x1=6mks)
(ii) Preparation of Hay
- Cut the grass /legume in the field when 50% of it is starting to flower;
- The cut forage is spread in the field for four continuous days (sunny days)
- The cut forage is turned daily for even for four uniform drying;
- Gather the dried material in a central spot;
- Bale the material;
- Properly store the baled hay (6x1=6mks)
(b) Factors to consider in timely planting of annual crops

- Escape from serious weed competition;
- Utilization of early rainfall;
- Exploitation of Nitrogen flush in the soil that has accumulated during dry season;
- Escape from serious pest + disease attack e.g. stalk borer in maize;
- Fetch high market prices when harvested early;
- Reduce competition for labour during labour peak period;
- For harvesting season to coincide with dry period to reduce losses e.g. cotton
Early planting means early farming/calendar for the farmer to enable him /her to finish up other farm
activities; (8x1=8mks)
10. i) A ration containing 18% protein is to be made from maize and sunflower cake. Given
that maize contains 7% protein, and sunflower seed cake 34% protein. Use Pearson square
methods to calculate the value of feedstuffs to be used to prepare 100kgs of the feed (3mks)
ii) two other methods that can be used to formulate feed ration (2mks)
 Linear programming
 Trial and error
Graphical method.

F1CH7 LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION (COMMON BREEDS) PP2
Livestock refers to all those animals reared on the far, to directly benefit man. They include cattle, sheep,
goats, pigs, rabbits, camels fish and bees.
Importance of livestock.
 Source of food such as meat, milk, eggs, honey and blood.

 Source of income when livestock products are sold.
 Cultural uses such as status symbol, medium of exchange recreational purpose and social
ceremonies.
 Provision of animal power such as camels, donkeys and oxen are used on the farm to provide draught
power needed in pulling carts and ploughs.
 Provision of raw materials used in textile industries e.g. wool, fur. Mohair hides and skin.
COMMON LIVESTOCK BREEDS.
Differentiate between breed and bred type
 Breed-refers to a group of animals that have the same characteristics and a common origin.
 Breed type-refers to the purpose for which the animals is kept for example dairy breeds for milk,
beef breed for meat and dual-purpose breed both for milk and meat.
Cattle breeds.
Terms used to identify cattle of different ages.
 Bull- mature male cattle.

 Bullock- mature castrated male cattle.
 Steer- young castrated male cattle.
 Cow- mature female cattle.
 Heifer- young female cattle between weaning and first calving.
 Calf- young one of cattle.

Categories of cattle breeds based on origin.
o Indigenous cattle.
o exotic cattle breeds
Characteristics of indigenous cattle breeds (Bos indicus)
 They have humps that store fat which is broken down during starvation to release energy and water.
 They are fairly tolerant to tropical temperatures due to presence of dewlap and thick hides.
 They have high tolerance to tropical diseases such as trypanosomiasis.
 They have a slow growth rate leading to late maturity.
 They have low production of both meat and milk due to inheritance of poor characteristics.
 They can walk for long distances in search of food and water.
 They can stay for long periods without food and water.
 They have long calving intervals of more than one year.
Characteristics of exotic cattle breeds (Bos taurus)
 They have no humps.

 They have low tolerance to high temperatures making the, popular in cool climates.
 They are highly susceptible to tropical diseases.
 They have fast growth rates leading to early maturity.
 They are good producers of both meat and milk.
 They cannot walk for long distances.
 They have short calving interval of one year if well managed.
Exotic breeds are further divided into groups namely:
 Dairy cattle breeds.

 Beef cattle breeds.
 Dual purpose breeds.
Daily cattle breed.
General characteristics/features of dairy cattle breed.
o Their bodies are wedge to triangular shaped due to heavy hindquarters.

o They have a straight top line.
o They have prominent milk veins.
o They have a well set apart hindquarter to allow room for to big udder.
o They have large and well developed udders with large teats that are well spaced.
o Their lean bodies carry little flesh.
o They are docile with mild temperament.
o They have a large stomach capacity that enables them to feed heavily for high milk production.
Types of various dairy cattle breeds.
Fresian.
 Originated from holland.

 Black and white in colour.
 Largest of the dairy cattle breeds with cow weighing average 550-680 kg, bulls weigh 900-1000kg
while new born calves weigh 35-40kg.
 It is the highest milk producing breed with an average of 9,150kg per lactation period of 305 days.
 Its milk has the lowest butter fat content of 3.5%.

 NB: Friesians are good feeders however they require large amounts of fodder.
Ayrshire.
 Originated from Scotland.

 It is either dark brown or red with white marking or white with dark brown or red markings.
 The breed is medium in weight being the second largest breed. Cows weigh 360-590kg, bulls weigh
average of 500-720kg, calves 30-35kg at birth.
 Milk yield is at 5185kg per lactation period of 305 days.
 Milk had butter fat content of 4%.
 NB: Ayrshires are hardy and are able to feed well even in poor pastures. This makes the, ideal in
areas with medium amount of pastures.
Guernsey.
 Originated from Guernsey Island off the coast of France in English Channel.
 The breed is brown with white colour in the face, leg parts below knees and hocks, tail switch and
flanks.
 Cows weigh an average of 450-500kg; bulls weigh between 540-770 kg and new born calves
between 25-30 kg.
 Guernsey produces an average of 6100kg of milk per lactation period.
 Milk has butter fat content of 4.5%-5%.
 NB .The breed has moderate pasture requirements.

Jersey.
 Originated from Jersey Island in the English Channel.

 It colour varies from light yellowish brown (fawn) to a shade of black.
 Jersey are the smallest dairy breeds with cows weighing 350-450kg, bulls between 540-700kg and
new born calves weight about 20-25kg.
 Jersey produces the lowest amount of milk of about 4270 kg compared to others breeds. However its
milk has the highest butter fat content of 5.3%.
 NB: jersey breed has little pasture requirement.
 They are also excellent grazer in poor pastures.
Beef cattle breeds.
General characteristics of beef cattle breeds.
o They are blocky in shape, i.e. they appear square or rectangular.

o They have deep well fleshed bodies.
o They grow fast leading to early maturity.
o They are efficient converters of food into meat and fat.
o They are able to maintain good weight even during adverse conditions such as drought.
o They are good foragers, that is, there is reduced selective grazing.
o They are more tolerant to high temperatures.
o They breed regularly.
o They are more resistant to diseases.
o They have short strong legs to support their heavy bodies.

Types of various dairy beef breeds.
Aberdeen Angus.
 Originated from north east Scotland.

 Black in colour with long smooth coat of hair.
 Cows weigh 720-900kg.
 The breed matures early and cows have good mothering ability.
Galloway.
 Originated from Scotland.

 Black in colour and has a brown tinge on the coat.
 Has long body and hindquarters and a thick hide that enable them withstand cold temperatures.
 Cows about 840kg and bull 1000kg.
Beef shorthorns.
 Originated from England.

 Colour is red, roan or white.
 Slow in growth and late maturing.
 Cows weigh 545-630 kg and bulls 700 to 900 kg.

Charolais.
 It was bred in France.

 White or creamy white in colour.
 It has a heavily built body and large hindquarters.
 Cows weigh 1000kg and bulls 1200kg.
Dual purpose cattle breeds
They are cattle breeds that are good in production of both milk and meat.
They include;
 Sahiwal.
 Red poll.
 Simmental.
PIG BREEDS.
Terms used to describe different pig age and sex.
 Piglet-a young pig from birth to weaning.

 Gilt-a young female pig from weaning up to first parturition.
 Sow-a mature female pig after first parturition.
 Boar-a mature male pig.
Various pig breeds.
 Large white.
 Originated from Britain.
 It is a long, large and white pig.
 It has a broad and slightly dished snout.
 Its ears are upright.
 It is the most prolific pig breed.
 It is slow maturing but a good converter of feed to meat.
 It is kept for production of pork.

 Landrace.
 Originated from Denmark.
 It is long and lean pig.
 It is white in colour.
 It has a straight snout.
 It has long ears drooping over the face.
 Kept for bacon production.
 Saddlebacks.
 There are two saddlebacks; Essex saddleback and Wessex saddleback.
 They both have a black body and a white strip over the shoulders.
 Both breeds have long heads and slightly dished snouts.
 Their ears are slightly drooped.
 Essex saddleback.
 Has a black body with the shoulders and all the four legs white.

 Wessex saddleback.
 Has a black body with the shoulders and only the front legs white.
 Berkshire.
 The breed is black with white colour on the feet, nose and tail.
 It is kept for bacon production.
 Middle white.
 Originated from Britain.
 White in colour just like large white pig breed.
 Its ears are erect.
 It has a slightly dished snout.
 Prolific with good mothering ability.
 Early maturing breed kept for pork production.
 Duroc jersey.
 Developed in Britain.
 It is pure black in colour.
 Has a long body with drooping ears.
 It is hardy and kept for pork and bacon production.
POULTRY BREEDS.

o Poultry are domestic birds that are kept for meat or egg production.
o They include chicken, turkey, ducks, pigeons, geese etc.
Terms that describes poultry of different age and sex.
 Chick-newly hatched bird from day one to 8 weeks.

 Pullet-young female birds from 8 weeks to point of laying.
 Cockerel-young male bird from 8 weeks up to maturity.
 Hen-mature female bird.
 Cock-mature male bird.
 Layer-bird kept for egg production.
 Broiler-bird kept for meat production.
 Capon-bird which has been rendered sterile. (castrated).
Poultry breeds include;
 Rhode Island Red.

 Light Sussex.
 New Hampshire.
 Black australops.
SHEEP BREEDS.
Terms that describes sheep of different age and sex.
 Ram-mature male sheep.

 Ewe-mature female sheep.
 Lamb-young one of sheep.
Classification of sheep breeds.
Wool breeds (merino sheep)
It originated from Spain and spread to all parts of the world.
It is the only sheep breed with high quality wool.
Characteristics of merino sheep.
 Small in body and angular in form.

 Have a drooping rump.
 They are narrow on the chest and have close together front.
 Their muzzles are flesh coloured.
 Their wool, hooves and horns are white in colour.
 They are a slow maturing breed with a lambing percentage of 100.
 They are hardy breed that does well under extensive conditions making them able to be kept in the
moderately dry places.
 They have a good flocking instinct that makes them to be put as a big flock under one shepherd.
 They produce fleece that id highly valued, long stapled and with low shrinkage.
Meat breeds.
 Dorper
 Produces high quality carcass.
 Developed by crossing Dorset Horn and black head Persian.
 White in colour with a black head.
 Suitable for hot and dry conditions.
 Highly prolific and good growth rate.
 Blackhead Persian.
 Originated from Arabia and spread to arid and semi-arid areas of northern Kenya.
 Popular due to its tolerance to the harsh conditions.
 Has a black head and rest of the body is white.
 Long legged, fat tail and is polled.
 Red Maasai sheep.

 Popular due to its ability to utilize poor pastures.
 Colour varies from white to red with hair covering its body.

Dual purpose sheep breeds.
These are sheep breeds that are good in production of both meat and wool. They include;
 Romney marsh.
 Suited for high altitudes wit permanent wet pastures.
 Resistant to foot rot and worm infestations.
 Characterized by;
 Wide head and polled that is well covered with wool.
 Wide chest with a straight back and short legs.
 Produce wool of medium length.
 Have black hooves.
 Rams weigh 102 -113 kgs.
 Corriedale.
 Has relatively high quality wool and meat.
 It is polled and well covered with wool.
 Moderately long legs covered with wool
 Produce wool of good length and low in shrinkage.

 Hampshire down.
 It is hardy.
 It is large breed that does well in poor pastures.
 It is prolific and early maturing.
 Characterized by:
 Have a lambing percentage of 125 to 140.
 The face and ears are dark brown or nearly black.
 Rams weigh 125kg and ewes 81-102kg.
 Fleece (wool) weight averages 3.6kg.
GOAT BREEDS.
Terms that describes Goats of different age and sex.
 Billy or buck-mature male goat.

 Nanny or doe-mature female goat.
 Kid-young one of goats.
Goats are classified in dairy, meat and hair goat.
Dairy goats.-they have high milk production. They are further classified into temperate or exotic and
tropical or indigenous dairy goats.
Temperate or exoticdairy goats.
 Saanen.
 Originated from Switzerland.
 Large and white coloured goat.
 Have upright ears that point forward.
 Milk yield average is 3-3.5 litres per day with butter fat content of 3.5 to 4%.

 Toggenburg.
 Originated from Switzerland.
 It is brown in colour with two white strips running from eyes to the nose.
 Popular because of its ability to forage on local grass and shrubs.
 Milk average yield is 2.5 to 3 kg per day with butter fat content of 3.5%
 British alpine.
 Originated form Britain.
Indigenous/tropical dairy goats.
 Anglo-nubian.
 Mainly roan and white in colour.
 Have long legs and flopping ears.
 It is polled. (lacks horns)
 Jamnapari.
 A crossbreed between Indian jamnapari and the Egyptian Nubian.
 Originated from India.
 Typical colour is white with small tan patches on head and neck.
 Ears are large and flopping.
 It is horned.
Meat breeds.
They are goats that produce high quality carcasses. They include;
 Galla-popular because of its ability to adapt to hot conditions.

-white coloured and has very good quality meat.

 Boer-developed in south Africa.
-popular because of its ability to twin and triplet coupled with its rapid body growth and weight
gain.
-it is white in colour and long eared.
Hair goat.
 The only goat breed in this category is the angora goat that is reared for its hair referred to as
mohair.
 It originated from angora in Asia.
RABBIT BREEDS.
Rabbits have low space and food requirement.
They are kept for meat and their droppings are rich in nutrients.
Terms that describes rabbits of different age and sex.
 Kindling-young one of a rabbit.

 Doe-mature female rabbit.
 Buck-mature male rabbit.
Various rabbit breeds.
 New Zealand white

o It is white and has red eyes.
o Also called Kenya white.
o Reared for meat production.
 California white.
o Very prolific breed.
o White in colour with one or more of the following parts being black in colour; ears, nose, paws and
tail.

 Flemish giant.
 Grey or blue-black breed with good meat.
 Chinchilla.
 Kept for meat.
 Also provides high quality fur.
 Earlops.
 Has drooping ears.
 It is white in colour.
CAMEL.
 They are kept for;

 Milk.
 Meat.
 Animal power.
Camel species.
 Dromedary-has a single hump. Originated from Arabia and Syria.

 Bactirian- has two humps and is much small in size compared to dromedary. Originated from
Central America.
DONKEY.
 They are kept for provision of animal power in carrying of loads, pulling of carts and ploughs.
TOPICAL QUESTIONS.
4. Give two distinguishing features between the following breeds of rabbits; Kenya white
and California white
5. Give four reasons why most farmers keep livestock in Kenya
6. Give three ideal conformation features of beef cattle
7. (i) Name a dual purpose cattle breed reared in Kenya
8. Name a pig breed with the following features:

White body colour, erect ears, dished snout, big in body size
10. (a) Explain the role of livestock industry in Kenya’s economy

(b) Outline the general characteristics of indigenous cattle

11. Below is a diagram of a cattle. Study it an answer the questions that follow:-
(i) What type of animal is represented above?

(ii) If you stand at a point marked X, state five characteristics that tells you that the animal belong
to type name in (i) above?
(iii) State three areas on the body of a cow where ticks are commonly found
12. Name four breeds of dairy goats
13. List two distinguishing characteristics of Californian breed of rabbit
14. Name the common milk breed of goats reared in Kenya
15. Name four dairy cattle breeds reared in Kenya.
16. Differentiate between ‘breed’ of animal and ‘type’ of animal.
17 Name the camel breed that is adapted to cooler regions and has a woolly body covering
18. State any two channels through which beef is marketed in Kenya.
MARKING SCHEME.
LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION I
COMMON LIVESTOCK BREEDS
1. two reasons for treating water for us on the farm
 Remove chemical impurities
 Remove foreign material
 Remove disease earning organisms
Remove bad smell & taste
2. Four advantages of applying lime in clay soil
 Lower soil acidity
 Increase calcium content
 Hastens decomposition of organic matter
 Improve soil structure/ improve drainage
 Facilitates availability and absorption of nitrogen and phosphorous
 Improve legume nodulation and nitrogen fixation
Increase multiplication of micro- organisms
3. Four ways by which Re-afforestation help in land reclamation
 Add organic matter from falling leaves
 Recycles soil erosion
 Control soil erosion
 Improve drainage of swampy areas
Play part in hydrological cycle
4. Distinguishing feature between Kenya white and California Kenya white is white all over the body,
has pink eyes California white is white with black nose and eras; has black/ brown eyes
5. Reasons why farmers keep livestock in Kenya
- Source of food
- Source of income
- Cultural uses e.g. paying dowry, recreation
- Provide source of power e.g. oxen
- Provides raw material to the industries
6. Ideal conformation features of beef cattle
- Blocky/ square/ rectangular
- Deep well flashed bodies
- Short strong legs to support their heavy bodies
- Compact body
7. (i) Dual purpose cattle in Kenya.

- Sahiwal;
- Red Poll;
- Simmental;
(ii) Uses of Rotavator.
- Mixes trash and the soil;
- Cuts the furrow slices and harrows them; 92 in one pass).
- Break up large soil clods into smaller ones / performs 20 tillage;
- Cut the furrows slices / primary tillage;
8. Large white is the pig with such characteristics
9. Epistasis is s combination of genes which on their own could have been inferior on undesirable(1mk)
10. (a) The role of livestock industry in Kenya’s economy

- Provision of food; various livestock products such as milk, eggs, meat and honey are used as food
- Source of labour: some livestock can be used to provide power for carrying out various activities
e.g. oxen, donkeys and camels
- Provides employment; Several people are employed in the livestock industry ether directly of
indirectly e.g. those employed by KMC
- Social cultural uses: depending on the culture of the society e.g. dowry, status, symbol e.t.c
- Source of income when livestock and livestock products are sold either locally or internationally:
income is earned whish is used for national development which is used for national development
- Industrial development, various products are processed n industries which are taxable to raise
income or national development
(Stating any 5pts = 1mk x 5; Explanation each 1mk x 5pts =5mks (10mks)
(b) The general characteristics of indigenous cattle
- they have large thoracic humps for storing fat
- they are tolerant to high temperatures
- They are able to resist tropical diseases e.g East Coast fever
- They have relatively long calving interval (beyond one year)
- They have a slow growth rate and mature rate
- They have smooth and short coat of hair
- They have along and narrow head
- they have a relatively short lactation period
- they can walk for long distances without serious loss in condition
- They are relatively small in size even when mature (1mk each for any 10pts = 10mks)
11. (i) Dairy cattle

(ii) five characteristics that tells you that the animal belong to type name in (i) above?
 Straight top line
 Large udder/well develop udder
 Prominent milk vein
 Large swell develop head quarter
 Triangular shape
 Large stomach capacity (any 5x1=5mks)
(iii) three areas on the body of a cow where ticks are commonly found (1½mk)
 Base of ear/inside the ears
 Neck
 Flanks
 Tail switch/tail
 Belly
 Brisket/dew lap (any 3x ½ =1 ½ mks)
12. 4 dairy goats

- Saanen
- Jamnapari
- Anglo- Nubian
- Toggenburg
- British Alphine
13. two distinguishing characteristics of Californian breed of rabbit

 White body
 Black ears /nose/paws/tail (2x ½ =1mk)
14. two common milk breed of goats reared in Kenya

 British Saaren
 The Toggenburg
 Anglo-Nubian
 Jamnapari
 The British alpine ( ½ x2=1mks
15. four dairy cattle breeds reared goats in Kenya.

 Ayrshire
 Friesian
 Guernsey
 Jersey (4x ½ =2mks)
16. Differentiate between breed of animal and type of animal. (2mk)

 Breed-group of animals with similar characteristics and common origin.
 Type –the purpose for which the animal is kept. (2x1mk = 2mks) (mark as whole)
- smothers weeds
- Regulate soil temperature
- Conserve moisture

F1CH8 AGRICULTURE ECONOMICS PAPER 1
DEFINITION OF TERMS.
Economics-is the study of how man and society choose to allocate scarce resources to produce various
commodities over time and distribute them for consumption.
Agricultural economics-an applied science that aims at maximizing output while minimizing costs by
combining the limited supply of resources(land, labour, capital and management) to produce goods and
services for use.
Basic economic concepts.
Scarcity.
This is a situation where the factors of production or resources are limited or insufficient to satisfy
production needs.
Preference and choice.
Since available resources are not enough due to competing enterprises, a choice has to be made on ho w to
allocate these resources. Therefore a farmer has to choose one or more enterprises on which to use the
available resources.
Opportunity cost.
When a farmer has several enterprises to choose from and decides to select one. Then from those not
selected the best enterprise becomes the opportunity cost. Therefore opportunity cost is defined as
Returns from the best alternative forgone.
Conditions Opportunity cost is said to be zero.
 When there are no alternatives. (Only one enterprise exists.)

 When goods are for free.
Assignment.
 A farmer had to choose one enterprise from three enterprises he had as follows.
enterprise Returns
Simsim farming Sh. 0.8 million
Livestock farming Sh. 1.4 million
Water melon farming 1.22 million
a. Which enterprise should the farmer go for (1mk).

The farmer should select livestock farming enterprise.
b. Give a reason for your answer in (a) above. (1mk)
Livestock farming enterprise has the highest returns og 1.4 million shillings.
c. What is the farmers opportunity cost? (1mk)
The opportunity cost is sh. 1.22 million shillings.
d. When is opportunity cost said to be zero? (1mk)
Where three are no alternatives.

FARM RECORDS.
 These are documents kept in the farm showing all activities on the farm over a given period of time.
 They are kept to avoid loss of important information.
Characteristics of good farm records.
 They should be neat.

 They should be concise.
 They should be complete.
 They should show actual amounts, weights, measurements and dates.
 They should be up to date.
Uses/ Reasons/ importance of keeping farm records.
 Farm records help to compare the performance of different enterprises in the farm.
 They show the history of the farm.
 Farm records help to show whether the farm business is making profits or losses.
 They help to determine the value of the farm or determine assets and liabilities of the farm.
 They guide the farmer in planning and budgeting of the farm.
 They help to detect losses or theft on the farm.
 They help in the assessment of income tax to avoid over or under taxation.
 They make it easy to share the profits and losses in the partnerships.
 They help in settling disputes among heirs when a farmer dies without leaving a will.
 They also help in supporting insurance claims on deaths, theft and fire of assets.
Types of farm records.
 Production records.
 They show the total yield and yields per unit area of each enterprise for example, total number of
bags of maize from the whole farm or per hectare. Total amount of litres from the herd or per cow.
 Inventory records.
 Inventory goods show all the assets on the farm such as livestock, farm tools, machinery, some
crops, land, farm buildings, animal feeds, fertilisers and drugs.
 They are divided into two: consumable goods inventory and permanent goods inventory.
 Consumable goods include assets that end up during production process such as animal feeds,
fertilisers, drugs and some construction materials.
 Permanent goods include assets that don’t end up in production and they spent a lot of time in the
farm such as machinery, buildings, tools and equipment and land.
 Field operation records.
 They record all that takes place (operations) in the field.
 Operations such as ploughing, planting, fertiliser application are recorded together with dates of
operation and cost used.
 At the end of season they help to work out the cost of production.
 Breeding records.
 They are kept to show the breeding activities and programmes for different animals in the farm.
 They show dates of service (mating), weight of animals born, date of calving etc.
 Feeding records.
 They are kept to show the types and amount of feed used in the farm
 Health records.
 They are kept to show the health conditions of the animals on the farm.
 They record the action taken to maintain health such as vaccination and deworming as well as cost of
treatment and the type of disease treated.
 They also indicate cases of deaths under remarks column.
 Marketing records.
 Marketing records show commodities sold, their amount, date and rate per unit of commodity, total
value and where sold.
 Labour records.
 As a factor of production, labour records are kept indicating the type of labour, date of employment,
date and rates of payment, whether skilled and unskilled labour.
 There are two types of labour records.
 Muster roll
 Labour utilization analysis.
TOPICAL QUESTIONS
AGRICULTURE ECONOMICS
(BASIC CONCEPTS AND FARM RECORDS)
This topic involves the following
- Definition of scarcity, preference and classic, opportunity cot as used in agriculture production.
- Uses of farm records
- Types of farm records i.e production records, filed operation records, breeding records, feeding
records, health, labour records and master roll.
1. (a) What are the uses of farm records to a farmer?
2. Identify the farm record below and the questions that follow:
Date Disease Animals Drug used Cost of Remarks
symptoms affected treatment
(a)Identity of the record

(b) State two different information that should be entered in the remarks column
(c) Give two importance of keeping the farm record illustrated above
3. State four uses of farm records
4. State four uses of farm records
5. Outline two ways the level of education and technology influence the efficiency of agricultural
production
6. Study the illustration below of farm records:- Use it to answer the questions that follow:
Enterprise
Month
Name DAYS IN MONTH
of cow
1 2 3 4 5 6
AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM
(a) Name the type of the farm record illustrated above

(b) Give three reasons for keeping health records in a livestock production
(c) Give three pieces of information a dairy farm manager should collect for planning purposes
7. List down four pieces of information recorded in a field operation record.
8. List two events occur during induction stroke in a four stroke engine

9. Give two conditions under which a farmer may prefer the use of donkey trailed cart instead of
a tractor drawn trailer in his farm
MARKING SCHEME
1. (a) - Help to determine the value of the farm/ determine assets and liabilities.
- Provide history of the farm.
- Assist in planning and budgeting in various fields.
- Helps to detect losses or theft in the farm.
- Assists when sharing losses or profits (dividends)for communal owned farms/ partnership.
- Help to settle disputes in the farm among heirs.
- Help to support insurance claim e.g. against fire and theft.
- Provide labour information like terminal benefits, NSSF due, Sacco dues for all employees.
- Help to compare the performance of different enterprises within a farm or other farms.
- Help in the assessment of income tax to avoid over or under taxation.
- Records, helps to show whether the farm business is making profit or losses. This information
helps in obtaining credit. (10 x 1 = 10 mks)
2. (a)Health record
(b) Next date of treatment /vaccination
- - Occurrence of the disease
- - Response to treatment ( ½ x 2 =1mk)
(c) - Select and cull animals on health ground
- Know the course of action to be taken in the event of a disease and maintenance of good health
- Know the prevalent disease
- Calculate cost of treatment
3 Four uses of farm records are;

 Used to compare the performance of different enterprise
 Shows history of the farm
 Help in planning and budgeting of farm operations
 Assessment of income tax
 Calculation of profits and losses
 Securing loans
 Settling disputes where no will is left
4. four uses of farm records
 Help compare performance of different enterprises within the farm and other farms
 Shows the history of the farm
 Guide a farmer in planning and budgeting of farm operations
 Helps to detect losses or theft on the farm
 Helps to avoid over taxation or under taxation
 Helps to determine the value of the farm in terms of assets and liabilities
 Helps in sharing of profits and losses in partnership
 Helps in setting disputes among heirs in absents of a will
 Shows whether the farm business is making profit or losses
 Helps in supporting insurance claims of farm assets
 Provide labour information
5.
- Understanding the technical language used in agriculture
- Application of the right amounts of inputs
- Correct/ appropriate measurements in farming
Uses of appropriate technology

6. (a) Milk production record (1x1=1mk)
(b) Determine prevalent diseases;
- Establish treatment of diseases;
- Establish disease control method;
- Determine cost of medication/health care;
- Determine the health status of different animals; (4x1=4mks)
(c) Price trends/market situation

- Production techniques
- Labour trends
- Breeds of dairy cattle
- Production constraints/risks and certainties
7.
 Field
 Area of the land
 Season
 Crop planted
 Crop variety
 Land preparation date
 Type of fertilizer at planting
 Type of fertilizer at top dressing
 Seed rate used
 Type of weed and date of weed control
 Type of pest and date of pest control
 Date of harvesting
 Remarks (Any 4)
8. List two events occur during induction stroke in a four stroke engine. (1mk)
 Piston moves down from TDC
 Exhaust valve is closed
 Inlet valve is open
 Air / fuel mixture get into combustion chamber
 Piston reaches BDC. (4x ½ = 2mks)
9. – Where the resources are free

- where there is no alternative
- where the alternatives are very many.

END OF FORM ONE WORK
These notes were prepared by Mr. Namaye Vincent.

Agriculture-Biology teacher.
Year 2020.

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KLB FORM ONE AGRICULTURE.

TEACHING & STUDENTS NOTES.

A new era in education

AGRICULTURE & BIOLOGY TEACHER.

Agriculture as an art involves the following activities;

Advantages and disadvantages of extensive farming system.

Advantages and disadvantages of intensive farming system.

Large scale farming.

Advantages of large scale farming

Disadvantages of large scale farming

Small Scale Farming

Disadvantages of nomadic pastoralism.

Disadvantages of shifting cultivation.

Identify five activities undertaken to achieve organic farming;

Trees selected for agroforestry should have the following characteristics:

 Source of employment-agriculture provide direct employment to over 79% of people as farm

 Source of capital/money/income- farmers can sell agricultural products produced in surplus or

TOPIC ASIGNMENT & QUESTIONS.

2. State three reasons why organic farming is encouraged in farming

3. State two ways in which agriculture contributes to industrial development

5. State the farming methods that are considered to be outdated.

6. Outline four advantages of organic farming

7. State two conditions under which shifting cultivation is practiced

8. Differentiate between the following terms as used in Agriculture:-

(a) Oleculture and floriculture

(b) Apiculture and aquaculture

 Level of education and technology.

 Causes shortage of farm labour making labour very expensive.

 Cultural practices and beliefs.

 They feed on the whole or part of the plant.

 They live in or on plants and animals.

 They are micro-organisms that cause and transmit diseases.

 Are animals that kill and feed on other animals.

 Are micro-organisms that act on plant and animal materials.

 They are useful micro-organisms found in root nodules of leguminous plants.

Climatic factors that affect agriculture include;

 Slow growth rate of crops as photosynthesis is slowed.

 Increase evaporation leading to wilting of crop.

 Acts as agent of soil erosion.  Increase evapotranspiration.

 Light intensity-strength with which light is harnessed by chlorophyll.

Long-day plants-require more than 12 hours of day light e.g. wheat,

 The process of soil formation is called weathering.

 Physical agents-include wing, moving ice, water and temperature.

Rain water + carbon (IV) oxide= weak carbonic acid.

Weak carbonic acid +limestone= calcium bicarbonate.

 Parent rock materials.

This is the vertical arrangement of various soil layers or horizons.

The horizons are arranged as follows:

Soil is made up of:

 Soil mineral matter.

 Water occupying the macro-pores and held by gravitational force.

 Water that forms a thin film around the soil particles.

 It is a solvent for plant nutrients.

A student measured the mass of an empty evaporating dish and recorded X g.

Find the percentage of soil water content.

Results and conclusion.

Mass of empty dish=x g.

Mass of empty dish and fresh soil= (x+y) g