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A farmer knows that land for agricultural production may be limited by a number of soil factors - NSC Agricultural Management Practices - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 2
A farmer knows that land for agricultural production may be limited by a number of soil factors. The farmer recognised a few of these soil factors when he purchased ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A farmer knows that land for agricultural production may be limited by a number of soil factors - NSC Agricultural Management Practices - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify FOUR soil production factors in the paragraph above that will limit the use of this piece of land for agricultural purposes.
Answer
- Slope of land - The presence of steep slopes can hinder effective cultivation.
- Soil texture - The texture may be too coarse or rocky, making it difficult to grow crops.
- Soil depth - The shallow soil layer of only 5 cm may not retain sufficient moisture or nutrients for crops.
- Soil erosion - The presence of dongas indicates potential soil erosion, which can degrade land quality.
Step 2
Name THREE ways in which the crop farmer could overcome the problem of slope as a limiting factor.
Answer
- Contour ploughing - This involves ploughing along the contour lines to reduce runoff and soil erosion.
- Vegetation strips/Strip cropping - Planting strips of vegetation can help prevent soil erosion and maintain moisture.
- Terracing - Creating terraces can help create flat areas on slopes, making agriculture more feasible.