Page 80 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

(c) Observe and compare plant growth in all plots during the flowering and
pod formation stages. Document your observations.
2. Throughout the growth period, observe and document any symptoms or signs
of nutrient deficiency or water stress (such as yellow leaves, wilting, poor pod
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
formation). Write a report and keep it in your portfolio.

Exercise 5.4

1. You notice that common beans in a school farm are flowering, but no pods are
forming. What could be the cause, and how can it be corrected?
2. You notice that the leaves of common beans in your school field are turning
yellow, and their stems have become weak. Explain what could be the possible
cause of the problem(s)?

3. During a dry season, at your school, you experience a shortage of water for
your crop plants. Suggest a low-cost way to keep soil moisture for common
bean plants in the plot.

4. Your neighbour wants to increase bean yield on the farm. Suggest three water
and nutrient management practices that should be used in combination by
your neighbour.

Weed management in common bean fields
Weeds compete with bean plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. They can
make it hard to manage the plants, reduce growth, and lower the harvest. Timely
weed control helps beans grow strong and healthy. It is recommended to remove
weeds every 2 - 3 weeks. Weeding can be done by mechanisation, manual pulling
or hand hoeing. The land should also be well-prepared before planting to reduce
weed growth. Mulching, where possible, helps to control weeds by covering
the soil. In some cases, herbicides may be used, however, one should consult
agricultural extension workers for proper recommendations.

Activity 5.6

1. Visit a common bean field established in the school farm and observe the
presence of different types of weeds. Outline different approaches to manage
them.

Student’s Book Form Three 71

17/09/2025 14:11
AGRICULTURE F3.indd 71 17/09/2025 14:11
AGRICULTURE F3.indd 71