G10 AGR OPENER TERM 3 2026 MS

MARKING SCHEMEGRADE 10 AGRICULTURETERM 3 OPENER EXAM 2026

1.

(a) Any two: soil suitability/fertility; drainage; climate/rainfall; slope/topography; accessibility; water availability; security/ownership; previous land use. (1 each = 2)

(b) Any three: greater security of tenure; freedom to invest/improve; land can serve as collateral; long-term planning; potential appreciation in value; freedom to choose enterprises. (1 each = 3)

(c) Any three explained: soil degradation/erosion; poor allocation of enterprises; waterlogging or drought exposure due to poor site selection; fragmentation/inefficient use of land; reduced access to markets/inputs; environmental damage. (1 each = 3)

2.

(a) A – topsoil/humus-rich horizon; B – subsoil; C – parent material/weathered rock; R – bedrock. (1 each = 4)

(b) Any two: good structure; adequate water-holding capacity; good drainage; good aeration; sufficient nutrients; suitable pH; deep soil profile. (1 each = 2)

(c) Mass of water = 100 − 84 = 16 g. Moisture content = (16 ÷ 100) × 100 = 16%. Award 1 mark for mass of water, 1 for formula/substitution, 1 for arithmetic, 1 for correct final percentage. = 4)

Diagram note: Accept standard equivalent names such as A horizon/topsoil and R horizon/bedrock.

3.

(a) Any logical sequence: clearing/removal of vegetation → primary cultivation/ploughing → harrowing/secondary cultivation → levelling/seedbed preparation. (1 each = 4)

(b) Any two explained: opens the soil; buries vegetation; loosens compacted soil; begins weed control; incorporates organic matter. (1 each = 2)

(c) Any two: soil excessively wet; soil excessively dry/hard; unsuitable weather with erosion risk; conditions likely to damage soil structure. (1 each = 2)

4.

(a) Area = 30 × 20 = 600 m². Row spacing = 0.75 m; within-row spacing = 0.25 m. Area per plant = 0.75 × 0.25 = 0.1875 m². Plant population = 600 ÷ 0.1875 = 3,200 plants. (1 mark area + 1 spacing conversion/use + 1 area per plant + 1 final answer = 4)