K.C.S.E Past Paper 1
Oct./Nov. 2010
Section A (30 marks)
Answer all the questions in this section in the spaces provided
1. Give two disadvantages of intensive system of farming. (1mk)
2. List four methods of farming. (2mks)
v 3. Give the meaning of the following terms: a) nitrogen fixation into the soil; (1mk)
b) phosphorus fixation in loss of soil fertility. (1mk)
4. Give four reasons for keeping livestock health records on the farm. (2mks)
5. Explain the relationship between scarcity and choice as used in agricultural economics. (2mks)
6. Sate two reasons for land fragmentation in Kenya. (1mk)
7. Give four advantages of individual owner operator tenure system as practiced in Kenya. (2mks)
8. Sate four features that should be considered when choosing water pipes for use on the farm. (2mks)
9. Give four reasons for treating water for use on the farm. (2mks)
10. Name four statutory boards that are involved in the marketing of crop produce in Kenya. (2mks)
11. State four marketing functions of Kenya Co-operative Creameries 9K.C.C.). (2mks)
12. Give two reasons for carrying out each of the following operations in land preparation:
a) rolling; (1mk)
b) leveling. (1mk)
13. Name three recommended practices that should be carried out when clearing the bush during land preparation. (11/2 mks)
14. State five advantages of zero grazing. (21/2 marks)
15. Give four factors that would determine the stage at which a crop is harvested. (2mks)
16. Name two classes of weeds on the basis of each of the following:
a) growth cycle; (1mk)
b) plant morphology. (1mk)
Section B (20 marks)
Answer all the questions in this section in the spaces provided.
17. Below is a diagram of a weed. Study the diagram carefully and answer the questions that follow.
a) Identify the weed illustrated above. (1/2mk)
b) Why is the weed illustrated above difficult to control? (1mk)
c) State four ways in which the weed can be controlled in a field of maize. (2mks)
18. The table below shows pH values of different soil samples. Study it and answer the questions that follow.
a) Which soil sample has the highest acidity? (1/2mks)
b) State two ways in which the pH value of sample S8 can be lowered. (1mk)
c) Which of the above soil samples is suitable for growing tea? (1/2mk)
19. Explain how agroforestry tree seeds should be prepared after collection in readiness for planting. (4mks)
20. a) The diagrams below represent two ways in which a crop was pruned. Study them carefully and answer the questions that follow.
i) Which diagram represents the correct way of pruning? (1/2mks)
ii) Give a reason for your answer in (i) above. (1mk)
b) State two ways in which pruning assists in controlling crop diseases. (1mk)
21. On 1st January 2009, Kaburu Farm started farm operations with Ksh 30,000 cash. During the month, the farm made the following transactions. Study the transactions and prepare a cash analysis for Kaburu Farm for the month of January. (51/2 mks)
22. a) What do the figures 18:46:10 on a fertilizer bag represent? (1½ mks)
b) Calculate the quantity of filler materials in the fertilizer in (a) above. (1mk)
Section C (40 marks)
Answer any two questions in this section in the spaces provided after question 25.
23. a) Explain eight factors that can encourage soil erosion. (8 mks)
b) Describe the seven management practices that should be carried out on a vegetable nursery after sowing seeds until the seedlings are ready for transplanting. (7 mks)
c) State five soil factors that should be considered when selecting a crop to grow in an area. (5mks)
24. a) Outline five ways in which high temperature affects agricultural production in Kenya. (5mks)
b) i) Explain four presentations that should be observed when harvesting cotton. (4mks)
ii) Describe the harvesting of sugar cane. (3mks)
c) Explain eight factors that should be considered when planning to set up a farm business. (8mks)
25. a) Explain six physical methods that can be used to control crop pests on the farm. (6mks)
b) Describe the production of bulb onions under the following sub-headings: i) field management; (4mks)
ii) harvesting. (3mks)
c) Explain seven factors that influence seed rates in crop production. (7mks)
