Theory Practice Questions – Relevance of Biology to Agriculture II

Evaluation Questions

1. List the different farming practices

Monocropping, Mixed cropping, Mixed farming, Crop rotation, Shifting cultivation, Pastoral farming, Ley farming

2 (a) Explain the following terms:

i. Crop rotation

Answer –   Crop rotation is a farming method in which the farmer uses the same plot of land to cultivate different crops in a planned order and rotated over a period of time.

ii. Mixed farming

Answer –  Mixed farming is the practice of combining livestock rearing and cultivation of crops on a piece of land.

iii. Mono cropping

Answer – Monocroping: This is the practice of planting one type of annual crop on a farm and harvesting it before another type of crop is planted on the same plot of land.

iv. Shifting cultivation

Answer – Shifting Cultivation involves the cultivation of a piece of land for some years until the soil nutrients are used up after which the land is abandoned and left to fallow.

b. State the advantages and disadvantages of the farming systems mentioned above

i. Crop Rotation

Answer –

Advantages of crop rotation

• The rapid spread of pests and diseases is checked
• A good selection of crops can improve soil fertility
• Rotated crops have different nutrient requirements from different depths of soil
• Continuous use of land while maintaining fertility.

Disadvantages

• If crops are not well ordered or rotated, may lead to depletion of the soil.

ii. Mixed Farming

Answer –

Advantages of mixed farming

• The livestock are fed by-products of crops e.g. maize, forage, Cassava
• The animal droppings serve as manure for plants
• Some of the animals serve as a means of transport and provides labour for ploughing

Disadvantages

• The animals may trample upon the crops and destroy them
• The animals may graze on the crops

iii. Monocropping

Answer –

Advantages of mono-cropping

• Commercial farming practices in which crops are produced on a large scale

Disadvantages

• The land is under cultivation all the time
• Plant pest and diseases spread faster
• Crops absorb some nutrients causing loss of soil fertility

iv. Shifting Cultivation

Answer –

Advantages of shifting cultivation

• Since land is left fallow soil fertility is restored.
• There will be no need for fertilizers

Disadvantages

• Land wastage
• Each growing season involves clearing and burning large vegetation.