Page 54 - Agriculture Form Two

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Activity 3.2

1. Visit your school farm or nearby cassava farms and perform the following
tasks:
(a) Select a suitable cassava cutting for planting;
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(b) Plant the cuttings in ridges according to the recommendations; then,
(c) Manage the planted cuttings and keep the record in your portfolio.

Exercise 3.2

1. Explain why harrowing is an essential activity in land preparation.

2. Mention types of herbicides used in land clearing.

3. Why is it necessary to carefully select cassava planting materials?
4. Mr. and Mrs. Mhogo-Mali prepared cassava cutting seeds correctly for
planting. They timed the cropping season and planted the cuttings at the
correct spacing. The cuttings were expected to sprout after a week since
were planted. Unfortunately, when the couple visited the field, they found
the cutting did not sprout as expected. Explain the possible reasons why the
cuttings could not sprout.

Soil water management

Cassava can tolerate drought. However, it requires sufficient water for early
growth. Optimal growth occurs with 1,000 mm or more of annual rainfall. Proper
soil moisture during establishment boosts yields. Cassava yields can improve
significantly when supplement water is supplied to crop plants through various
means, including drip irrigation (Figure 3.4). However, excessive irrigation can
lead to waterlogging conditions and cause root rot and stunted growth. Therefore,
appropriate soil water management practices are necessary to keep soil moisture
content at optimal levels.

46 Student’s Book Form Two

04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 46 04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 46