2.1 Name FOUR functions of soil in crop production - NSC Agricultural Management Practices - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1

Contour ploughing helps by creating ridges and furrows along the contour lines of the land, which slows down surface water runoff and reduces soil erosion.

Contour ploughing can effectively channel surface water by following the natural contours of the land. The shaped ridges help to catch and direct water flow toward ditches or waterways that lead into dams. This technique minimizes surface runoff and maximizes water retention.

Contour ploughing involves ploughing along the contour lines of a slope, maintaining the natural shape of the land. Terracing, on the other hand, modifies the land's shape by creating flat platforms, reducing soil erosion and allowing for more effective water management on steep slopes.

The greyish clay soil has a moderate drainability characterized by its fine texture, which can lead to slower water movement. High clay content can result in poor drainage, especially when saturated.

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, indicating the acidity or alkalinity of a soil. A pH of 7.8 means the soil is slightly alkaline, which can affect nutrient availability and plant growth.

To improve the pH of the soil, gypsum or calcium sulphate can be added.

The young farmer should consider adopting conservation tillage practices, which minimize soil disruption, enhance soil structure, and maintain organic matter. By reducing tillage, soil erosion can be significantly decreased, and moisture retention can improve, ultimately leading to better crop yields.

Fair labour practices are enhanced by strategically positioning buildings and equipment to reduce the need for long travel distances between workstations. This ensures that workers can operate efficiently, while proper facilities such as safe breaks and well-lit areas promote a comfortable working environment.

1. Physical capital - Example: tractors and equipment.
2. Financial capital - Example: cash reserves for operations.
3. Human capital - Example: skilled labor or workers.
4. Natural capital - Example: land and water resources.

A = Semi-intensive production, B = Extensive production/Free range, C = Intensive production.

Labour requirements:
Method B (Extensive) has low labour requirements because it uses larger areas with minimal intervention.
Method C (Intensive) requires high labour input due to more hands-on management.

Dependence on technology:
Method B depends very little on technology, whereas Method C relies heavily on advanced agricultural technologies.

Method A can be regarded as organic farming because it focuses on using natural inputs and avoiding synthetic chemicals, promoting a healthier ecosystem.

The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can assist in accurately mapping and dividing natural veld into camps.

A suitable camp for animal production must have clean and available drinking water at all times, adequate forage or fodder, and proper fencing to contain the animals within designated areas.

Stock farmers can use GPS technology or RFID tags placed on animals to track their movements. Additionally, drone technology can be employed to monitor grazing patterns and health without the need for physical presence in the camp.

2.8.1: Maintenance budget
2.8.2: Cash flow budget
2.8.3: Whole-farm budget
2.8.4: Partial budget
2.8.5: Enterprise budget

1. A budget must be constantly updated to reflect actual performance against forecasts.
2. It is essential to measure progress toward financial goals and adjust as necessary.
3. Planning corrective actions based on variances requires regular review and modification of the budget.