KNEC KCSE Agriculture Paper 1 – 2014 KCSE COMA Joint Exam

State four ways by which plant nutrients may be lost from the soil.

Give two harmful effects of high population density in a maize crop grown for grain production.

State three conditions under which the opportunity cost is zero in a farming enterprise

(a) Name three product relationship in agriculture economics (1½mks)

(b) Explain the following terms as used in agricultural economics (1mk)
(i) Production function

(ii) Equi – marginal returns

State four objectives of land settlement which have been undertaken in Kenya.

(a)State two factors that influence the supply of casual labour in a farm. (1mk)

(b) State three ways in which a farmer can adjust to risks and uncertainities. (1½mks)

(a) Give two roles of micro-organisms in the soil that are beneficial to crops. (1mk)

(b) State three properties of soil that are influenced by its texture. (1½mks)

What is meant by the term “changing the cycle” in coffee growing?

State four functions of calcium in plant growth and development.

State four factors that contribute to the competitive ability of the weeds.

State two non – chemical methods of controlling storage pests in a maize granary.

Name three branches of horticulture.

Give three advantages of tissue culture in crop production.

State four ways in which burning of vegetation may lead to loss of soil fertility.

Give two ways in which pastures are classified.

State four financial documents that should be kept on a farm.

State four disadvantages of using organic manure in crop production.

If the recommendation is to apply 42kg of N/ha and the farmer owns two hectares of land, how much
would it cost him to provide sulphate of ammonia (21%N) at a rate of Kenya shillings 1,500 per
50kg bag.

Two maize pests are shown in the diagram below. Study them and answer the questions that follow.

(a) Identify the pests in the diagrams labeled X and Y (1mk)
X……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Y………………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) At what stage of maize production does each pest damage the crop. (2mks)
X……………………………………………………………………………
Y……………………………………………………………………………
(c) Give one way of controlling each of the pests in the field. (2mks)
X………………………………………………………………………………..
Y……………………………………………………………………………….

The diagram shows a management practice carried out on certain crops.

(a) Identify the practice. (1mk)

(b) Name three examples of crops in which the above practice can be applied. (1½mks)

(c) State three reasons for carrying out above practice. (1½mks)

The following account of information is from Mr. Ongoros farm for the year ended 31/12/2012.

(i) Using the information above, prepare a profit and loss account for Mr. Ongoro’s farm. (4mks)

(ii) From the calculation in (i) above, state whether Mr. Ongoro made a profit or loss. (1mk)

The diagram below illustrate a method of irrigation carried out on the farm

(i) Identify the type of irrigation shown above. (1mk)

(ii) Name two advantages of the above method. (2mks)

(a) Explain the precautions that should be observed during the harvesting of pyrethrum (4mks)
(b) Outline four advantages of raising tomato seedlings in a nursery (4mks)
(c) Describe field production of dry maize under the following sub headings
(i) Ecological requirements (2mks)
(ii) Selection and preparation of planting materials (2mks)
(iii) Land preparation (3mks)
(iv)Field practices (3mks)
(v) Harvesting (2mks)

(a) Explain four factors that should be considered when selecting seeds for planting (8mks)
(b) State and explain four advantages of minimum tillage in crop production (8mks)
(c) List various methods of harvesting water in farm (4mks)

(a) Discuss ten cultural methods of crop pest control (10mks)
(b) Explain five practices that maintain good soil structures (5mks)
(c) Describe five factors that effect the rooting of sugarcane cuttings (5mks)