Agricultural Science Primary 4 Second Term Examination

Agricultural Science Examination
Primary 4 – Second Term
Time: 1 Hour
Total Marks: 100

General Instructions for Teachers and Students:

1. Instructions for Students:
   • Read each question carefully before answering.
   • Work independently and avoid any form of malpractice.
   • Answer all questions to the best of your ability.
   • Ensure your handwriting is clear and legible.
   • Check your work before submitting your paper.
2. Instructions for Teachers:
   • Ensure that all students have the necessary materials (pen, pencil, ruler, etc.).
   • Monitor the students and ensure a fair and quiet environment for the examination.
   • Provide encouragement and maintain a professional atmosphere.

Part A: Objective Questions (30 Marks)

Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.

1. Soil is a mixture of __________, water, and air.
   a) sand
   b) rocks
   c) air
   d) minerals
2. The importance of soil is to __________.
   a) hold water
   b) provide nutrients to plants
   c) keep plants stable
   d) All of the above
3. Soil can be classified into __________ main types.
   a) 3
   b) 4
   c) 5
   d) 6
4. __________ is one of the causes of reduction in soil fertility.
   a) Over-farming
   b) Proper irrigation
   c) Use of organic fertilizers
   d) Crop rotation
5. __________ is a method of improving soil fertility.
   a) Excessive watering
   b) Crop rotation
   c) Overgrazing
   d) Soil erosion
6. The soil type best for planting maize is __________.
   a) Loamy soil
   b) Clay soil
   c) Sandy soil
   d) Acidic soil
7. __________ soil is best for growing rice.
   a) Sandy
   b) Clay
   c) Loamy
   d) Peaty
8. A method to improve soil fertility is __________.
   a) Use of organic manure
   b) Excessive tilling
   c) Over-irrigation
   d) Crop destruction
9. Horticulture involves the cultivation of __________.
   a) cereals
   b) vegetables, fruits, and flowers
   c) timber
   d) tubers
10. The main material needed for horticulture practices is __________.
    a) Water
    b) Fertilizer
    c) Seeds
    d) All of the above
11. In horticulture, __________ is used to protect plants from pests.
    a) Mulch
    b) Pesticides
    c) Manure
    d) Water
12. Flowers should be __________ to maintain their health and growth.
    a) watered
    b) left untouched
    c) ignored
    d) planted in dry soil
13. A cause of reduced soil fertility is __________.
    a) Crop rotation
    b) Over-harvesting
    c) Adding compost
    d) Proper irrigation
14. A __________ is used to improve the structure of the soil.
    a) Hoe
    b) Trowel
    c) Plow
    d) Fertilizer
15. The soil type best for planting tomatoes is __________.
    a) Clay
    b) Sandy
    c) Loamy
    d) Peaty
16. The process of removing weeds from the soil is known as __________.
    a) Irrigation
    b) Mulching
    c) Weeding
    d) Plowing
17. __________ helps improve soil fertility by adding organic matter.
    a) Mulch
    b) Crop rotation
    c) Fertilizer
    d) Manure
18. The process of planting different crops in a specific sequence to improve soil is called __________.
    a) Crop rotation
    b) Fertilization
    c) Overgrazing
    d) Over-farming
19. Horticulture practices involve __________.
    a) Growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers
    b) Raising livestock
    c) Growing cereals
    d) Planting grass
20. The __________ soil is best for planting beans.
    a) Sandy
    b) Clay
    c) Loamy
    d) Acidic
21. In horticulture, __________ is used to encourage healthy plant growth.
    a) Pesticides
    b) Water
    c) Fertilizer
    d) Herbicides
22. __________ is a major cause of soil erosion.
    a) Over-farming
    b) Crop rotation
    c) Fertilization
    d) Use of organic fertilizers
23. __________ is used to reduce evaporation and prevent soil erosion.
    a) Mulch
    b) Manure
    c) Water
    d) Compost
24. __________ is an example of a plant that thrives in loamy soil.
    a) Rice
    b) Maize
    c) Cocoa
    d) Banana
25. __________ is an essential part of horticulture practices.
    a) Seeds
    b) Tools
    c) Water
    d) All of the above
26. __________ helps maintain the fertility of the soil.
    a) Overgrazing
    b) Fertilizer
    c) Weeding
    d) Manure
27. The use of __________ helps protect plants from diseases and pests.
    a) Water
    b) Fertilizer
    c) Pesticides
    d) Weeds
28. __________ improves the water-holding capacity of the soil.
    a) Sand
    b) Loam
    c) Clay
    d) Fertilizer
29. The __________ is used in horticulture to prune plants.
    a) Hoe
    b) Shovel
    c) Pruning shears
    d) Watering can
30. The soil type best for planting beans is __________.
    a) Clay
    b) Loamy
    c) Sandy
    d) Peaty

Part B: Theory Questions (30 Marks)

Answer the following questions in short sentences.

1. What is soil, and why is it important for agriculture?
2. What are the main types of soil classified in agriculture?
3. Explain the causes of reduced soil fertility.
4. List three methods of improving soil fertility.
5. Why is loamy soil suitable for most crops?
6. What is the importance of crop rotation in maintaining soil fertility?
7. How can over-farming affect soil fertility?
8. Why is watering essential in horticulture practices?
9. What materials are commonly used in horticulture to improve plant growth?
10. What are the benefits of using mulch in gardening?
11. Explain the role of pests in reducing plant health and how to manage them.
12. Why is soil erosion harmful to agriculture?
13. What are the methods used to control soil erosion?
14. How does the use of fertilizer contribute to soil fertility?
15. What is the role of irrigation in horticulture?
16. Describe the importance of maintaining flowers in a garden.
17. What is the effect of excess water on plant growth?
18. How can you improve soil structure in your garden?
19. What tools are commonly used in horticulture?
20. How does the proper maintenance of flowers improve the beauty of the garden?
21. What are the main components of soil?
22. How do you maintain the health of your garden plants?
23. What should be done to ensure proper drainage in your garden?
24. Why is it important to remove weeds from the soil?
25. How do you ensure that your plants receive enough nutrients?
26. What are the common pests found in the garden, and how do you control them?
27. Why is it important to prune flowers?
28. How does the type of soil affect the growth of different crops?
29. What is the role of organic fertilizers in soil fertility?
30. How do you decide which soil is best for a particular crop?

Part C: True or False Questions (30 Marks)

Indicate whether the following statements are True or False.

1. Soil is made up of water, air, and minerals. (True / False)
2. Sandy soil is the best for growing rice. (True / False)
3. Fertilizers only harm the soil and do not improve plant growth. (True / False)
4. Horticulture focuses on the cultivation of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. (True / False)
5. Watering is not necessary for plants that grow in fertile soil. (True / False)
6. Loamy soil is best for growing most crops. (True / False)
7. Pruning shears are used to remove dead plants. (True / False)
8. Soil erosion improves the fertility of the soil. (True / False)
9. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil. (True / False)
10. Weeds should be left in the garden because they help improve soil quality. (True / False)
11. Crop rotation is important for improving soil fertility. (True / False)
12. Flowers need regular care to grow properly. (True / False)
13. Too much water can drown plants. (True / False)
14. Over-farming reduces soil fertility. (True / False)
15. Pests can damage plants and reduce their growth. (True / False)
16. Fertilizers should be used sparingly to avoid harming plants. (True / False)
17. Mulch can help protect plants from extreme temperatures. (True / False)
18. The use of pesticides helps prevent plant diseases. (True / False)
19. Horticulture practices only involve planting flowers. (True / False)
20. Composting is a way to improve soil fertility. (True / False)
21. Organic fertilizers are always harmful to soil. (True / False)
22. Proper drainage is essential for plant health. (True / False)
23. Overwatering plants can cause their roots to rot. (True / False)
24. Manure is a type of organic fertilizer. (True / False)
25. Pruning helps plants grow better by removing dead parts. (True / False)
26. Peaty soil is best for growing crops that require plenty of water. (True / False)
27. Soil quality has no effect on the type of crop that can be grown. (True / False)
28. Weeds are harmful to plant growth. (True / False)
29. Soil provides nutrients to plants for growth. (True / False)
30. All types of soil are suitable for all crops. (True / False)

Part D: Fill-in-the-Gaps Questions (30 Marks)

Fill in the blanks with the correct word.

1. The __________ soil is best for growing crops like maize and tomatoes.
2. __________ is the practice of planting different crops in a sequence to improve soil fertility.
3. __________ soil is best for growing rice because it holds water well.
4. __________ is a method of improving soil fertility by adding decayed plant material.
5. The process of removing weeds from the soil is known as __________.
6. __________ helps protect plants from harmful insects and diseases.
7. __________ is used to improve the water-holding capacity of the soil.
8. __________ is the process of adding nutrients to the soil to improve plant growth.
9. __________ is an example of a horticultural practice.
10. To improve soil structure, __________ is often used in the garden.
11. __________ is an essential part of maintaining flower health.
12. A __________ is used to cut branches and leaves of plants.
13. Too much __________ can cause soil erosion and reduce fertility.
14. __________ is important for keeping flowers healthy and beautiful.
15. The best soil for growing vegetables is __________ soil.
16. __________ is used to protect the soil from the sun and prevent evaporation.
17. Proper __________ is necessary to prevent waterlogging of the soil.
18. The process of __________ involves planting trees and crops to restore soil fertility.
19. __________ helps prevent pests from destroying plants.
20. __________ is the most common type of soil in the garden.
21. __________ is used to increase soil fertility by adding organic material.
22. The __________ plant thrives in sandy soil.
23. __________ is the material used to keep plants healthy and strong.
24. The __________ helps hold plants firmly in the soil.
25. __________ is an essential part of horticulture to prevent diseases.
26. __________ is important in maintaining a healthy soil structure.
27. __________ is added to the soil to improve its structure and fertility.
28. The __________ helps protect plants from extreme weather.
29. __________ is essential for plant growth, especially in dry areas.
30. A __________ is used to remove weeds from the soil.

End of Examination.