Page 44 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

4. Monitor the plots, then observe and compare the germination rate, plant
spacing, seed distribution, seed depth, emergence time, evenness of plant
growth, weed growth, and soil moisture retention between the two methods.
5. Record all the worked activities and lessons learnt in your portfolio.
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Exercise 3.2

1. Describe why variety selection is important in sorghum farming.

2. Outline steps for sowing sorghum.

3. Explain why it is important to follow the recommended spacing written on
seed packages.

Management of soil water and nutrients for sorghum

Sorghum requires water to grow, but it can survive in relatively dry conditions.
However, it needs more water, especially during the flowering and grain-filling
stages. To get the best results, proper management of water and nutrients is
important. Sorghum should be planted at the beginning of the rainy season to
ensure adequate water for growth. Since rainfall patterns vary across Tanzania,
understanding local conditions is crucial for timely planting. In seriously dry
conditions/areas, and depending on the scale of production, mulching can be
important in preserving soil moisture. Mulches that can be used are organic
materials like grass, leaves, or straw, which help retain soil moisture, reduce
evaporation, and enrich the soil with organic matter as they decompose.
Sorghum like other cereal crops, has specific nutrient requirement to support
health growth and high yields. In situations where the soil has inadequate
nutrients, application of organic manure, such as farmyard manure or compost,
helps to improve soil fertility and conserve moisture. The application of inorganic
fertilisers should be based on the recommended types and rates. This helps the
plants get the right nutrients. It is, however, recommended to determine the soil
fertility status through a soil test before any nutrient management intervention.

Student’s Book Form Three 35

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