2.1 Name FOUR functions of soil in crop production - NSC Agricultural Management Practices - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1

Contour ploughing is a technique where ploughing is done along the contour lines of the land. This helps slow down water runoff and increases water infiltration, which reduces soil erosion by:

1. Creating ridges that trap and hold rainwater, allowing it to soak into the soil.
2. Reducing the slope length, which decreases the velocity of water runoff.
3. Preventing the washing away of topsoil during heavy rains.

Contour ploughing can effectively channel surface water into dams through a few key mechanisms:

1. Water Retention: The ridges formed by ploughing along contour lines can capture rainfall, allowing more water to percolate into the soil, which in turn can feed into nearby interception drains leading to dams.
2. Controlled Runoff: Slope management through contour ploughing slows water flow, minimizing rapid runoff and allowing for the gradual collection of water in storage areas like dams.
3. Implementation of Terraces: When combined with terracing, contour ploughing can further enhance the ability to direct water into dams efficiently, creating a system to manage water resources for irrigation.

Contour ploughing and terracing are both land management practices but differ significantly:

1. Contour Ploughing: Involves ploughing along the natural contour lines of the land to reduce soil erosion and manage water runoff without altering the terrain angles.
2. Terracing: Involves cutting flat areas into a slope to create steps or terraces, effectively changing the land’s profile to improve water retention and reduce soil erosion in steeper areas.

Greyish clay soil typically has low drainage capabilities due to its fine particles, which compact easily. This means water tends to pool on the surface rather than being absorbed. However, if well-managed, it can retain moisture while also allowing for drainage under optimal conditions. This soil may drain well after periods of dry weather or with the incorporation of organic matter to improve its structure.

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). A pH of 7 is considered neutral. If the pH is 7.8, it indicates that the soil is slightly alkaline, which can affect nutrient availability to crops. Understanding this helps in determining the necessary soil amendments needed for optimal crop growth.

To improve the soil pH, adding gypsum or calcium sulphate is recommended. These amendments can help neutralize acidity and bring the pH closer to ideal levels for many crops.

To transition to conservation cultivation, the young farmer should:

1. Stop Clean Cultivation: Reduce or eliminate tilling to minimize soil disturbance, which can lead to erosion and loss of soil structure.
2. Incorporate Organic Matter: Adding compost or crop residues can improve soil health and moisture retention.
3. Adopt Mulching or Cover Cropping: This can help control weeds, enhance soil structure, and improve moisture retention.

By implementing these practices, the farmer will help protect the soil's integrity and promote a more sustainable farming system.

Fair labour practices enhance the positioning and use of buildings and facilities in several ways:

1. Reduced Wastage: By ensuring workers are well-positioned, they can perform tasks efficiently, reducing time wasted in transit.
2. Better Working Conditions: Providing comfortable and safe working environments encourages productivity and reduces the strain on workers, fostering a positive work atmosphere.
3. Strategic Planning: Effective labour practices encourage a systematic approach to equipment positioning, facilitating ease of access to tools and materials, which can optimize workflow.

The types of capital in a farming venture include:

1. Fixed Capital: This includes infrastructure like buildings and dams. Example: A barn for livestock.
2. Working Capital: Refers to assets needed for daily operations, such as cash flow to manage expenses. Example: Money for purchasing seeds.
3. Natural Capital: Represents natural resources used in farming, like water and soil quality. Example: The fertile soil on a farm.

Farming methods indicated by the illustrations are:

• A: Semi-intensive production
• B: Extensive production (Free range)
• C: Intensive production

(a) Labour Requirements:

• Farming Method B (Extensive): Typically has lower labour requirements due to larger land areas with fewer animals per hectare.
• Farming Method C (Intensive): Requires higher labour input as it involves managing more animals or crops closely within a smaller area.

(b) Dependence on Technology:

• Farming Method B (Extensive): Dependent on little to no technology as the farming practices are more traditional and less intensive.
• Farming Method C (Intensive): Heavily relies on technology for better efficiency, such as automated feeding systems or climate control to maintain productivity.

Organic farming can be regarded as Method A (Semi-intensive production). This method tends to use fewer chemicals and relies more on natural processes for crop and animal growth, which aligns with organic principles. It ensures that feed for animals is more natural and less reliant on hormones and chemicals compared to intensive methods.

The type of precision farming technology suitable for dividing natural veld into camps is GPS (Global Positioning System). This technology enables farmers to map out and monitor land use effectively, optimizing the layout of grazing areas.

For a camp to be suitable for animal production, it must meet several requirements:

1. Water Availability: Clean drinking water must be accessible at all times for animals.
2. Fodder Quality: The camp should have enough palatable fodder for grazing, ensuring adequate nutrition.
3. Topography: Land must be adequate to allow for easy movement of animals without undue stress.

A stock farmer can use precision farming technologies like GPS tracking and RFID tags to monitor animals. This includes:

1. Remote Monitoring: Using drones or cameras to observe animal movements without physical presence.
2. Geofencing: Setting up digital boundaries to alert the farmer if animals wander outside designated areas.
3. Data Collection: Gathering information on animal location and health remotely, ensuring timely interventions when necessary.

This relates to the Maintenance Budget.

This relates to the Cash Flow Budget.

This relates to the Whole Farm Budget.

This relates to the Partial Budget.

This relates to the Enterprise Budget.

The statement that a budget is prepared once and then filed is not true for the following reasons:

1. Need for Updates: Budgets must reflect changing economic conditions, input costs, and market prices, requiring regular revisions.
2. Monitoring Performance: Continuous tracking allows evaluation of actual performance against budgeted figures, essential for effective management.
3. Planning Adjustments: Budgets help plan future actions; failing to update them could lead to financial mismanagement.