Paper 2 · Crop Production
Land is prepared before a crop is planted mainly in order to
Araise the temperature of the subsoil before the first rains begin
Bbury weeds and trash and leave a soft bed for the seed and the roots
Cadd to the soil the nitrogen the crop will need for the whole season
Dlevel the field so that rain water runs off it a good deal more quickly
Explanation: Ploughing turns weeds and crop residues under where they rot, and it loosens the profile so a seedling root can push through it and rain can soak in. Nutrients have to be added separately, in manure or in fertiliser.
Derived from ZIMSEC Agriculture 4001/2 Paper 2, November 2023, Q1