New Curriculum First Term Crop Production and Horticulture examination for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Subject: Crop Production and Horticulture
Time: 2 hours
Total Marks: 70

SECTION A: OBJECTIVES (40 Marks)
Instruction: Answer all 40 questions. Each question carries 1 mark. Select the best option (a), (b), (c) or (d).

1. In this case, a grower compares a high-yielding vegetable variety that spoils quickly with one that stores longer. Which choice is best? (a) Assume post-harvest quality is identical    (b) Select highest yield without considering losses    (c) Select longest name on the packet    (d) Evaluate yield, shelf life, buyer demand and available transport together
2. Suppose that a school farm replaces repeated clearing and burning with composting and improved ground cover. Which outcome is most defensible? (a) It guarantees that local weather never changes    (b) It prevents all droughts immediately    (c) It eliminates every agricultural pest    (d) It can improve soil management and reduce some avoidable emissions
3. Suppose that a grower raises vegetables for direct sale while another manages a field of maize for grain. Which statement is accurate? (a) Horticulture includes only livestock    (b) Vegetable production is a horticultural activity; maize is generally a field cereal crop    (c) Maize grain is not an agricultural crop    (d) Both activities necessarily produce fibre
4. Which claim about a drought-tolerant variety is NOT justified? (a) It should still be assessed for local pests    (b) It never needs water at any growth stage    (c) Yield can vary with management and soil    (d) It may perform better than sensitive varieties under limited moisture
5. Which selection criterion is LEAST appropriate for choosing a crop variety? (a) Suitability to rainfall and maturity period    (b) Resistance to locally important pests    (c) Expected market quality    (d) Seed-packet colour instead of agronomic performance
6. Scenario: A cereal grower chooses sorghum for a relatively dry environment rather than a moisture-demanding crop. This illustrates ________. (a) matching cereal ecology and variety to growing conditions    (b) Selecting solely by anticipated grain colour    (c) Selecting a cereal based on its expected selling price alone    (d) Selecting a cereal without comparing its water requirement
7. Which action reduces nutrient loss and environmental risk when applying fertiliser? (a) Apply just before flooding every field    (b) Use the highest available dose without calibration    (c) Use an appropriate rate and placement while considering rain and runoff    (d) Leave granules in concentrated heaps against stems
8. Consider the following situation: A planned vegetable garden slopes downward toward a stream. Which preparatory choice is prudent? (a) Create bare channels straight downhill without protection    (b) Remove all vegetation from surrounding banks    (c) Pile waste fertiliser at the stream edge    (d) Arrange beds and erosion controls to reduce runoff into the stream
9. In this case, a farmer's orchard is compared with a temporary vegetable bed. Which planning difference is especially important? (a) One season's revenue without land-use commitment    (b) Harvest labour without the longevity of the trees    (c) Short-term input costs without perennial spacing    (d) Long-term spacing and land commitment for perennial fruit trees
10. Suppose that a farm receives heavy rainfall but has nutrient-poor, strongly acidic soil. Which planning conclusion is sound? (a) Acidity cannot influence crops    (b) Climate suitability alone does not guarantee an adequate yield    (c) Soil testing is unnecessary for any crop    (d) High rainfall automatically supplies all nutrients
11. Which factor may explain why a cereal variety suited to one agro-ecological zone performs poorly elsewhere? (a) Guaranteed adaptation from its trade name    (b) Uniform pest pressure everywhere    (c) Identical fertility and growing conditions    (d) Different rainfall timing, temperature or soil conditions
12. Consider the following situation: A farmer plans irrigation using a record of daily temperatures for only three days. What is the limitation? (a) A few days of weather cannot establish the locality's long-term climate    (b) Three days always represent a 30-year climate average    (c) Temperature has no effect on crop water demand    (d) Irrigation never requires climate information
13. In this case, a school plans to sell lettuce, tomato and ornamental seedlings. Which classification is accurate? (a) Vegetables and ornamentals are horticultural crop groups    (b) Tomato seedlings are a form of farm machinery    (c) Ornamental plants are always cereal grains    (d) Lettuce belongs exclusively to animal production
14. Suppose that a community experiences hotter dry seasons and more frequent erratic rainfall. Which is an adaptation rather than a direct climate-change mitigation action? (a) Avoid burning crop residues to reduce emissions    (b) Improve energy efficiency in farm transport    (c) Adjust planting dates and select suitable drought-tolerant varieties    (d) Reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from land clearing
15. Two farms with similar annual rainfall totals can face different crop risks because their ________ differs. (a) Average annual humidity without rainfall timing    (b) Rainfall distribution across the growing season    (c) Highest daily temperature in the planting month    (d) Mean annual rainfall with no seasonal distribution
16. A cooperative wants to assess whether a rainfall shift is persistent. What evidence is most appropriate? (a) Long-term comparable records rather than one unusual season    (b) One particularly wet harvest season    (c) An unusually dry planting month last year    (d) A single recent set of storm observations
17. For vegetable beds losing topsoil in heavy rainfall, the most appropriate response is ________. (a) Leave every plot bare between rains    (b) Move seedlings into the drainage channel    (c) Use appropriate ground cover and erosion-control measures    (d) Increase burning to harden the soil
18. A plot contains tree stumps and compacted soil before establishing vegetable beds. Which sequence is most sensible? (a) Clear obstacles safely, prepare soil appropriately and establish drainage before planting    (b) Apply all fertiliser before checking land suitability    (c) Sow delicate seedlings directly among stumps    (d) Ignore erosion risks on a slope
19. In this case, a buyer needs flowers for same-day decoration, while another needs durable planting material. Why might marketing plans differ? (a) Both items always remain saleable indefinitely without care    (b) All horticultural goods use the same packaging    (c) Perishability and intended use create different handling requirements    (d) Neither product can suffer transport damage
20. A grower places a shade-loving nursery crop in an exposed plot during hot weather. Which ecological condition needs adjustment? (a) Value of packaging labels    (b) Light intensity and microclimate    (c) Length of the farmer's surname    (d) Quantity of harvested grain in storage
21. Consider the following situation: A farm's average rainfall is suitable for maize, but the soils remain waterlogged for weeks. Why is rainfall alone insufficient? (a) Rainfall alone explains every form of poor growth    (b) Higher rainfall necessarily improves all crops equally    (c) Drainage and soil conditions also determine crop suitability    (d) Rainfall records can replace soil drainage assessment
22. Which management decision can improve crop adaptability without genetically changing the crop? (a) Adjust planting time, water use and protective soil cover    (b) Remove every shelterbelt before planting    (c) Assume all soils have identical moisture-holding capacity    (d) Use a fixed sowing date regardless of rainfall
23. Which plan shows why crop production decisions must consider market and ecology together? (a) Grow only a crop that cannot be stored or sold locally    (b) Choose a suitable crop for local growing conditions and confirmed buyer needs    (c) Plant a crop unsuitable for the climate because its seed packet looks attractive    (d) Ignore water availability after advertising the harvest
24. Two plots in the same state have different textures and drainage. Which ecological factor most directly explains differing water retention? (a) Soil properties    (b) Political boundary labels    (c) Market-day schedules    (d) The farmer's clothing
25. A vegetable crop shows poor growth despite frequent fertilisation. Which next action is more defensible than applying unlimited additional fertiliser? (a) Double every dose without diagnosis    (b) Assume all yellowing means nitrogen deficiency    (c) Assess soil, crop symptoms, watering and nutrient balance    (d) Scatter fertiliser directly onto leaves in midday heat
26. A farmer ploughs wet clay soil that sticks into large clods. Which risk should be considered? (a) All wet soils automatically form a fine tilth    (b) Ploughing always improves drainage regardless of condition    (c) Working unsuitable wet soil can damage structure and hinder seedbed preparation    (d) Soil moisture cannot influence cultivation quality
27. In this case, a farmer compares two varieties of the same cereal under limited rainfall. One matures earlier and has stable yields in dry years. What may explain its advantage? (a) Adaptation through traits suited to the local water and growing-season conditions    (b) Independence from all soil nutrients    (c) Inability to respond to local conditions    (d) An absolute guarantee that it yields most under every climate
28. Consider the following situation: A producer sells potted decorative plants rather than edible fruits. The enterprise is most clearly within ________. (a) livestock breeding    (b) ornamental horticulture    (c) grain threshing    (d) fish processing
29. A vegetable crop wilts despite moist soil after prolonged flooding. Which stress may be involved? (a) Poor root oxygen supply in waterlogged conditions    (b) Insufficient seed packaging    (c) Excessive root ventilation    (d) Deficient sunlight caused solely by high market prices
30. Scenario: A farmer saves planting material from diseased plants for next season. Which varietal-management concern arises? (a) Disease affects only packaging appearance    (b) Saved material is automatically certified disease-free    (c) Plant health is unrelated to variety maintenance    (d) Disease may be carried forward and planting stock quality reduced
31. Consider the following situation: A farmer applies 50 kg of fertiliser to 0.25 hectare. What is the corresponding application rate per hectare? (a) 200 kg/ha    (b) 12.5 kg/ha    (c) 50 kg/ha    (d) 1,250 kg/ha
32. Scenario: A farmer records 320 surviving maize plants from 400 planting stations. What percentage of stations produced surviving plants? (a) 20%    (b) 125%    (c) 80%    (d) 72%
33. Two farms grow the same named crop but use varieties with different maturation periods. What is the practical importance? (a) All varieties require identical climatic conditions    (b) Maturation period cannot influence planting plans    (c) Variety choice affects harvest timing and exposure to seasonal risks    (d) Harvest timing depends only on the packaging
34. Which activity can contribute to human-induced climate change on farmland? (a) Mulching that protects bare soil    (b) Using rainfall records for planning    (c) Maintaining shelterbelts    (d) Repeated burning that releases greenhouse gases and removes vegetation
35. The correct step before selecting heavy cultivation equipment for a small site is to ________. (a) ignore the presence of underground utilities    (b) till all land at the same depth regardless of soil    (c) hire the largest machine without evaluating access    (d) assess plot size, soil condition, purpose and safety
36. Two fertilisers supply different nutrients. Why should a grower examine the nutrient label rather than only the bag price? (a) Price alone reveals exact nitrogen content    (b) Crop need depends on the type and amount of nutrients supplied    (c) Every bag contains identical nutrient ratios    (d) The label cannot influence fertiliser choice
37. Two maize fields have similar seed but different stand densities. Why is optimum spacing important? (a) Spacing has no relationship to yield    (b) It guarantees plants never encounter weeds    (c) Closer spacing always increases grain size without limit    (d) It balances light, water and nutrient competition between plants
38. Scenario: A nursery supplies fruit seedlings to neighbouring farmers. This is horticulture because it involves ________. (a) the storage of animal vaccines    (b) propagation and raising of horticultural planting materials    (c) grain milling only    (d) machine repair services only
39. A useful account of local crop-growing climate should include ________. (a) Only annual rainfall averaged over many years    (b) Only mean temperature without moisture information    (c) Seasonal rainfall, temperature, sunshine and prevailing wind    (d) Only a single season's rainfall record
40. Why should agro-ecological zones guide the choice of crop varieties? (a) Crop performance depends only on brand names    (b) Zones combine relevant rainfall, temperature, vegetation and soil conditions    (c) Rainfall patterns can be ignored after harvest    (d) All zones have identical planting seasons

SECTION B: THEORY (30 Marks)
Instruction: Answer Question 1 and any other TWO questions. Each question carries 10 marks. Show workings where applicable.
Question 1 (10 marks). Two local farms experience different rainfall patterns. (a) Explain FIVE climatic and soil variables to assess before choosing crops. (5 marks) (b) Propose FIVE climate-adaptation or mitigation measures suited to crop production. (5 marks)

Question 2 (10 marks). A cooperative wants to establish maize and a horticultural nursery. (a) Compare FIVE ecological or production differences affecting the two activities. (5 marks) (b) Explain FIVE criteria for choosing suitable crop varieties and horticultural crop groups. (5 marks)

Question 3 (10 marks). A vegetable plot is waterlogged and has an exposed slope. (a) Explain FIVE farmland-preparation decisions before planting. (5 marks) (b) Describe FIVE ways crop ecology, soil and field layout affect seedling performance. (5 marks)

Question 4 (10 marks). A farm applies 50 kg of fertiliser to 0.25 hectare. Refer to Figure 1 where relevant. (a) Calculate the rate per hectare and state FOUR factors guiding the rate and placement of fertiliser. (5 marks) (b) Explain FIVE environmental or crop-health risks from careless fertiliser application. (5 marks)

Objective Marking Scheme
Question 1 – ✅ (d) Evaluate yield, shelf life, buyer demand and available transport together
Question 2 – ✅ (d) It can improve soil management and reduce some avoidable emissions
Question 3 – ✅ (b) Vegetable production is a horticultural activity; maize is generally a field cereal crop
Question 4 – ✅ (b) It never needs water at any growth stage
Question 5 – ✅ (d) Seed-packet colour instead of agronomic performance
Question 6 – ✅ (a) matching cereal ecology and variety to growing conditions
Question 7 – ✅ (c) Use an appropriate rate and placement while considering rain and runoff
Question 8 – ✅ (d) Arrange beds and erosion controls to reduce runoff into the stream
Question 9 – ✅ (d) Long-term spacing and land commitment for perennial fruit trees
Question 10 – ✅ (b) Climate suitability alone does not guarantee an adequate yield
Question 11 – ✅ (d) Different rainfall timing, temperature or soil conditions
Question 12 – ✅ (a) A few days of weather cannot establish the locality's long-term climate
Question 13 – ✅ (a) Vegetables and ornamentals are horticultural crop groups
Question 14 – ✅ (c) Adjust planting dates and select suitable drought-tolerant varieties
Question 15 – ✅ (b) Rainfall distribution across the growing season
Question 16 – ✅ (a) Long-term comparable records rather than one unusual season
Question 17 – ✅ (c) Use appropriate ground cover and erosion-control measures
Question 18 – ✅ (a) Clear obstacles safely, prepare soil appropriately and establish drainage before planting
Question 19 – ✅ (c) Perishability and intended use create different handling requirements
Question 20 – ✅ (b) Light intensity and microclimate
Question 21 – ✅ (c) Drainage and soil conditions also determine crop suitability
Question 22 – ✅ (a) Adjust planting time, water use and protective soil cover
Question 23 – ✅ (b) Choose a suitable crop for local growing conditions and confirmed buyer needs
Question 24 – ✅ (a) Soil properties
Question 25 – ✅ (c) Assess soil, crop symptoms, watering and nutrient balance
Question 26 – ✅ (c) Working unsuitable wet soil can damage structure and hinder seedbed preparation
Question 27 – ✅ (a) Adaptation through traits suited to the local water and growing-season conditions
Question 28 – ✅ (b) ornamental horticulture
Question 29 – ✅ (a) Poor root oxygen supply in waterlogged conditions
Question 30 – ✅ (d) Disease may be carried forward and planting stock quality reduced
Question 31 – ✅ (a) 200 kg/ha
Question 32 – ✅ (c) 80%
Question 33 – ✅ (c) Variety choice affects harvest timing and exposure to seasonal risks
Question 34 – ✅ (d) Repeated burning that releases greenhouse gases and removes vegetation
Question 35 – ✅ (d) assess plot size, soil condition, purpose and safety
Question 36 – ✅ (b) Crop need depends on the type and amount of nutrients supplied
Question 37 – ✅ (d) It balances light, water and nutrient competition between plants
Question 38 – ✅ (b) propagation and raising of horticultural planting materials
Question 39 – ✅ (c) Seasonal rainfall, temperature, sunshine and prevailing wind
Question 40 – ✅ (b) Zones combine relevant rainfall, temperature, vegetation and soil conditions

Theory Marking Scheme
Question 1 (10 marks)
(a) rainfall total/distribution, temperatures, humidity, wind, sunshine, soil texture, drainage, acidity any five 1.
(b) planting date adjustment, resilient varieties, mulch, water harvesting, erosion control, avoid burning, shelterbelt any five explained 1

Question 2 (10 marks)
(a) crop use, sowing/propagation, water, spacing, protection, perishability, market, soil and climate any five contrasted 1.
(b) local suitability, maturity, resistance, buyer demand, shelf life, certified planting material, any five 1

Question 3 (10 marks)
(a) inspect slope, drainage, clearing, erosion control, bed layout, tilth, site safety, five 1.
(b) aeration, water, temperature, soil nutrients, light, root development, competition and disease any five linked 1

Question 4 (10 marks)
(a) 200 kg/ha 1; soil test, crop stage, nutrient label, weather, placement or calibration four 1.
(b) leaching, runoff, leaf scorch, nutrient imbalance, waste, soil and water harm five 1