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The table below shows the population size and available arable land in a certain region over a period of six decades - NSC Agricultural Sciences - Question 3 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 3
The table below shows the population size and available arable land in a certain region over a period of six decades. | YEARS | POPULATION SIZE (million) | ARABLE L... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The table below shows the population size and available arable land in a certain region over a period of six decades - NSC Agricultural Sciences - Question 3 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
3.1.1 Draw a bar graph showing the population size and the arable land available over a period of six decades.
Answer
To draw the bar graph:
- Set up the axes: Label the x-axis as 'Years' and the y-axis as 'Population Size and Arable Land Available (million)'.
- Plot the data: Represent the population size and arable land available for each year using different colored bars.
- For example, for the year 1961, draw a bar up to 24 for population size and another up to 15 for arable land.
- Use appropriate scales: Ensure the scales are correct, using intervals which clearly show the data.
- Add a legend: Differentiate between the population size and arable land by using different colors for the bars and adding a legend under the graph.
Step 2
3.1.2 State the economic characteristic of land illustrated in the graph in QUESTION 3.1.1.
Answer
The economic characteristic illustrated in the graph is that land for agricultural purposes is limited. As the population size increases over the decades, the available arable land decreases, indicating a growing demand on a finite resource.
Step 3
3.1.3 Describe how the characteristic stated in QUESTION 3.1.1 influences agricultural production.
Answer
The limited availability of arable land influences agricultural production in several ways:
- Increased competition for land: As the population grows, more individuals and businesses compete for the limited land available for farming, potentially driving up land prices.
- Pressure on production: There is intensified pressure to maximize output from the remaining arable land, which can lead to overexploitation and degradation of soil quality.
- Emphasis on efficiency: Farmers are encouraged to adopt more efficient farming practices to increase yield per hectare, leading to potential innovations in agricultural technology and methods.
Step 4
3.1.4 Suggest TWO measures a farmer can apply to improve the productivity of land.
Answer
- Crop Rotation: Implementing crop rotation can enhance soil fertility and reduce pest and disease prevalence, which improves yields.
- Use of Fertilizers and Soil Amendments: Utilizing fertilizers and organic soil amendments can replenish essential nutrients in the soil, thus improving crop productivity.