NATIONAL

SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 11

NOVEMBER 2019

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2

MARKS: 150

TIME: 2½ hours

*IAGRSE2*

This question paper consists of 15 pages.

2 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2019)

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. This question paper consists of TWO sections, namely SECTION A and

SECTION B.

2. Answer ALL the questions in the ANSWER BOOK.

3. Start EACH question on a NEW page.

4. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.

5. You may use a non-programmable calculator.

6. Show ALL calculations, including formulae, where applicable.

7. Write neatly and legibly.

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(EC/NOVEMBER 2019) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 3

SECTION A

QUESTION 1

1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number
(1.1.1–1.1.10) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.11 D.

1.1.1 Which ONE of the following mechanisms is NOT involved in the

movement of water from the roots to stems and leaves?

A Root pressure
B Guttation
C Capillary action
D Transpiration pull

1.1.2 The letter H in the diagram below represents the …

D
C E H
B
F
G

Petal
A

Receptacle Ovule

A stamen.
B stigma.
C pistil.
D androecium.

1.1.3 The following methods can be used by farmers to increase the rate of
photosynthesis.

(i) Growing crops in green houses

(ii) Trellising plants
(iii) Intercropping
(iv) Using optimum plant density

Choose the correct combination:

A (i), (ii) and (iii)

B (i), (iii) and (iv)
C (i), (ii) and (iv)
D (ii), (iii) and (iv)

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4 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2019)

1.1.4 Which ONE of the following is an example of a stored grain pest?

A Nematode
B Spider mite
C Aphid
D Weevil

1.1.5 … is the simplest method of plant improvement.

A Selection
B Hybridisation
C Mutation
D Genetic modification

1.1.6 Farmers make use of irrigation scheduling to …

(i) reduce energy costs.

(ii) avoid over watering.
(iii) avoid under watering.
(iv) avoid fungal diseases.

Choose the correct combination:

A (i), (ii) and (iv)

B (i), (ii) and (iii)
C (i), (iii) and (iv)
D (ii), (iii) and (iv)

1.1.7 … is NOT a requirement for aquaculture farmers to achieve high

yields.

A Water temperature
B Oxygen content of water
C Market price
D Feeding

1.1.8 Which ONE of the following sources of irrigation water is likely to be

saline?

A An aquifer
B A lake
C A river
D Rainwater

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(EC/NOVEMBER 2019) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 5

1.1.9 The diagram below shows a … drainage system.

A herringbone
B natural
C grid
D fishbone

1.1.10 … is NOT an important consideration when installing a pipe drainage

system.

A Depth
B Soil nutrient status
C Slope
D Pipe diameter (10 x 2) (20)

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6 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2019)

1.2 Choose a word/term/concept/phrase from COLUMN B that best matches a

description in COLUMN A. Write ONLY the letter (A–H) next to question number
(1.2.1–1.2.5) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.2.6 K.

COLUMN A COLUMN B
1.2.1 Light dependent phase of photosynthesis A Grafting

1.2.2 Contains a small percentage of B Aquaculture

magnesium carbonate

1.2.3 Physical or chemical treatment that C Dolomitic lime

weakens or softens the seed coat

1.2.4 A whole scion with several buds is used to D Hill reaction

propagate a plant with desired
characteristics

1.2.5 A farming system that makes use of E Scarification

computers, global satellite positioning
systems and remote sensing devices to
measure environmental conditions

F Budding

G Precision farming

H Calcitic lime
(5 x 2) (10)

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(EC/NOVEMBER 2019) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 7

1.3 Give ONE word/term/concept/phrase for each of the following descriptions. Write
ONLY the term next to the question number (1.3.1–1.3.5) in the ANSWER BOOK.

1.3.1 Application of fertiliser through irrigation water

1.3.2 The ability of a liquid to flow upwards in narrow spaces against the force of
gravity

1.3.3 Chemicals that are used to control pests

1.3.4 A combination of different methods to optimise pest control

1.3.5 The artificial removal of excess water from the soil (5 x 2) (10)

1.4 Change the underlined word(s) in each of the following statements to make them
TRUE. Write only the answer next to the question number in the ANSWER
BOOK.

1.4.1 Micro-elements are plant nutrients required in large quantities.

1.4.2 Pathogens spread disease causing organisms from one host to another.

1.4.3 Monoculture is the farming of marine and freshwater aquatic organisms.

1.4.4 An evaporation pan measures how hard a plant has to work to extract
water from the soil.

1.4.5 Green manuring is the covering of cultivated soil with different substances
such as sawdust and straw to reduce water loss and prevent erosion.
(5 x 1) (5)

TOTAL SECTION A: 45

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8 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2019)

SECTION B

QUESTION 2: PLANT STUDIES (NUTRITION)

2.1 The diagram below shows a process which takes place in plants. Analyse
it and answer the questions that follow.

Sunlight Leaf

Carbon dioxide

A
Leaf tissue containing
chloroplasts
Stored
carbohydrates
Stem

2.1.1 Name the process shown above. (1)

2.1.2 Deduce substances A and B. (2)

2.1.3 Plants are described as autotrophic due to the process shown above.
Justify this statement. (2)

2.1.4 Tabulate TWO differences between the process shown above and
cellular respiration. (5)

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(EC/NOVEMBER 2019) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 9

2.2 The soil’s nutrient status is one of the most important factors affecting crop
growth. Communal farmers usually experience low yields since they use a hit
and miss approach to fertiliser application. This method involves blindly
applying fertilisers without determining how much is actually required by
plants.

2.2.1 Explain TWO negative effects of using the hit and miss approach
explained in the passage above. (2)

2.2.2 Suggest TWO methods that farmers can use to determine the amount
of fertiliser to be applied. (2)

2.2.3 List TWO soil factors that can affect the availability of nutrients to
plants. (2)

2.2.4 Low yields can also be caused by nutrients being unavailable to

plants even if farmers apply fertilisers. Describe how each of the
factors mentioned in QUESTION 2.2.3 affects nutrient availability. (2)

2.3 The picture below illustrates the transpiration process.

Water evaporates
from leaf surfaces

Water travels
through the plant

Water
absorbed by
roots

2.3.1 Suggest the mechanism through which roots absorb each of the
following:

(a) Water (1)

(b) Minerals down their concentration gradient (1)

(c) Minerals against their concentration gradient (1)

2.3.2 Supply TWO adaptations of plants to reduce water loss through

transpiration. (2)

2.3.3 The process shown above is essential for plant growth. Support this
statement with TWO reasons. (2)

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10 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2019)

2.4 Organic fertilisers are plant and animal remains applied to the soil to add one
or more plant nutrients.

2.4.1 Supply ONE example of an organic fertiliser. (1)

2.4.2 One of the major reasons why organic fertilisers are becoming popular
is due to their environmental benefits. Give TWO of these benefits. (2)

2.4.3 Most commercial farmers are still using chemical fertilisers. Describe
TWO advantages they have over organic fertilisers. (2)

2.5 Analyse the table below and provide labels for the letters A–E to complete the
table.

Mineral Form in which it Mineral type Deficiency

is absorbed by symptom
plants
Nitrogen A B Chlorosis
C PO3- Macro element D
Zinc Zn2+ E Small leaf disease
(5)
[35]

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(EC/NOVEMBER 2019) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 11

QUESTION 3: PLANT REPRODUCTION AND PROTECTION

3.1 The diagram below illustrates pollination in plants.

C
B
A

3.1.1 Identify the pollination types B and C in the diagram above. (2)

3.1.2 Describe TWO advantages of pollination type A. (2)

3.1.3 After pollination, double fertilisation occurs. Describe this process. (2)

3.1.4 Classify the type of reproduction depicted above as sexual or asexual. (1)

3.1.5 Deduce whether the plant above is insect or wind pollinated. Justify your
choice. (2)

3.2 The pictures below show three different fruit types.

A B C

3.2.1 Classify each of the fruits A, B and C above as simple, compound or

accessory. (3)

3.2.2 Briefly explain the reason behind your classification of fruit B in

QUESTION 3.2.1. (2)

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12 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2019)

3.2.3 Name the part of a flower from which the fruit structure below develops:

(a) Seeds (1)

(b) Fruit (1)

3.3 One of the major challenges that crop farmers are faced with is weed control.
Weeds compete with cultivated crops for space, water and nutrients resulting
in reduced yields. Farmers must choose cost-effective and ecologically
sustainable methods to control weeds.

3.3.1 From the passage above, deduce ONE way in which weeds reduce
yields. (1)

3.3.2 Supply the name given to chemicals used to control weeds. (1)

3.3.3 Suggest TWO reasons why weeds grow more easily than cultivated
crops. (2)

3.3.4 List TWO examples of weed seed dispersal agents. (2)

3.3.5 Recommend TWO ecologically sustainable weed control methods that (2)
can be used by farmers.

3.3.6 The state plays a pivotal role in plant protection. Mention TWO ways in
which the state contributes to plant protection. (2)

3.4 The table below shows a comparison of the performance of genetically modified
and non-genetically modified cotton varieties over a period of 5 years.

Year Yield (t)

Non-GM cotton Bt Cotton
2010 70 85
2011 120 140
2012 80 90
2013 60 75
2014 90 110

3.4.1 Present the information in the table above in the form of a bar graph. (6)

3.4.2 Determine the cotton variety that is more productive between the two in
the table above. (1)

3.4.3 Suggest a possible reason for the differences in performance of the two
varieties. (2)
[35]

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(EC/NOVEMBER 2019) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 13

QUESTION 4: OPTIMAL RESOURCE UTILISATION

4.1 The schematic diagram below shows a practice used in agriculture.

Analyse it and answer the questions that follow.

Cabbages Peas

Potatoes Onions

4.1.1 Identify the practice shown above. (1)

4.1.2. Deduce TWO principles that were used to design the program
above. (2)

4.1.3 Suggest TWO reasons why the practice depicted above is (2)
recommended in crop production.

4.1.4 Give ONE disadvantage of the above practice. (1)

4.2 Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil by using mineral

nutrient solutions in a water solvent. Terrestrial plants may be grown with
only their roots exposed to the mineral solution, or the roots may be
supported by an inert medium such as perlite or gravel.

4.2.1 Give an example of a growing medium mentioned in the passage (1)

above.

4.2.2 Deduce TWO benefits of the system described above. (2)

4.2.3 Differentiate between open and closed hydroponic production

systems. (2)

4.2.4 Comment on the suitability of hydroponics for subsistence farming. (2)

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14 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2019)

4.3 Analyse the images below and answer the questions that follow.

A B

4.3.1 Identify implement B above. (1)

4.3.2 Determine whether each of the implements above is used for

primary or secondary tillage. (2)

4.3.3 Deduce TWO advantages of using implement B as compared to

implement A. (2)

4.3.4 State TWO aims of primary soil cultivation. (2)

4.3.5 Recently farmers are being discouraged from using implements like
ones above for tillage but rather to practice conservation tillage.
Mention TWO practices of conservation tillage. (2)

4.4 The images below show examples of irrigation systems.

4.4.1 Identify irrigation systems A and B above. (2)

4.4.2 Determine the TWO criteria to be used to determine water quality

for irrigation method B. (2)

4.4.3 Mention TWO advantages of irrigation system A. (2)

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(EC/NOVEMBER 2019) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 15

4.5 The structure below is common on farms.

4.5.1 Name the structure above. (1)

4.5.2 Identify TWO materials which were used to make the structure
above. (2)

4.5.3 Justify the use of the structure above by farmers with TWO reasons. (2)

4.5.4 Give TWO environmental factors farmers should consider before

setting up structures like the one above. (2)
[35]

TOTAL SECTION B: 105

GRAND TOTAL: 150

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 NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 11

NOVEMBER 2019

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2
MARKING GUIDELINE

MARKS: 150

This marking guideline consists of 10 pages.

2 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2019)

SECTION A

QUESTION 1

1.1 1.1.1 B 

1.1.2 C 

1.1.3 C 

1.1.4 D

1.1.5 A 

1.1.6 B 

1.1.7 C 

1.1.8 A 

1.1.9 A 

1.1.10 B  (10 x 2) (20)

1.2 1.2.1 D 
1.2.2 H 
1.2.3 E 
1.2.4 A 
1.2.5 G  (5 x 2) (10)

1.3 1.3.1 Fertigation 

1.3.2 Capillarity 
1.3.3 Pesticides 
1.3.4 Integrated Pest Management 
1.3.5 Drainage  (5 x 2) (10)

1.4 1.4.1 Macro-elements 

1.4.2 Vectors 
1.4.3 Aquaculture 
1.4.4 Tensiometer 
1.4.5 Mulching  (5 x 1) (5)

TOTAL SECTION A: 45

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(EC/NOVEMBER 2019) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 3

SECTION B

QUESTION 2: PLANT STUDIES (NUTRITION)

2.1 2.1.1 Name of the process

Photosynthesis  (1)

2.1.2 Deduction of substances

A – Oxygen 
B – Water  (2)

2.1.3 Justification of statement

They make their own food  through the process of
photosynthesis  (2)

2.1.4 Differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration

Photosynthesis Respiration
Is an anabolic process  Is a catabolic process 
Carbon dioxide is consumed and Oxygen is consumed and
oxygen is released  carbon dioxide is released 
Can only take place in the Takes place in light and
presence of light  darkness 
Takes place in plants only  Takes place in both plants and
animals 
Energy from the sun is used  Chemical potential energy is
used
30 times faster than Much slower than
respiration  photosynthesis 
(Any 4 + Table)  (5)

2.2 2.2.1 Negative effects of the hit and miss approach

 Inadequate fertilisers will be applied resulting in low yields 
 Excess fertilisers will be applied resulting in high inputs costs  (2)

2.2.2 Methods that can be used by farmers to determine the amount

of fertiliser to be applied
 Soil analysis/Soil samples 
 Plant analysis/Leaf samples  (2)

2.2.3 Factors influencing nutrient availability

 Soil texture 
 Soil pH  (2)

2.2.4 Effect of the factors mentioned in QUESTION 2.2.3 on nutrient

availability
 Sand texture are easily leached while clay soils hold nutrients
making them available to plants. 
 Some nutrients are unavailable at low pH.  (2)

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4 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2019)

2.3 2.3.1 Mechanisms through which roots absorb the following

substances:
(a) – Osmosis  (1)
(b) – Diffusion/passive uptake  (1)
(c) – Active uptake  (1)

2.3.2 Adaptations of plants to reduce water loss

 Leaves have a thick cuticle 
 Lose their leaves in winter 
 Small needle shaped leaves 
 Leaves are covered with hairs 
 Stomata are found on the underside of leaves 
 Stomata are closed at night 
 Storage of water in stems  (Any 2 x 1) (2)

2.3.3 Importance of transpiration

 Cools the plant down 
 Assists in transport of nutrients  (2)

2.4 2.4.1 Example of an organic fertiliser

 Manure 
 Compost 
 Bone meal 
 Blood meal 
 Seaweed 
 Cottonseed meal  (Any 1 x 1) (1)

2.4.2 Environmental benefits of organic fertilisers

 They cannot be easily leached into water sources 
 Stimulate growth of micro-organisms  (2)

2.4.3 Advantages of chemical fertilisers over organic fertilisers

 Amount of nutrients to be applied can easily be calculated 
 Available to plants immediately 
 Required in relatively smaller quantities  (Any 2) (2)

2.5 2.5.1 Labels for letters A–E

A – NO3- /Nitrate ions (1)
B – Macro element  (1)
C – Phosphate /Phosphorus  (1)
D – Purple leaves  (1)
E – Micro element  (1)
[35]

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(EC/NOVEMBER 2019) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 5

QUESTION 3: PLANT REPRODUCTION AND PROTECTION

3.1 3.1.1 Types of pollination

B – Self pollination 
C – Cross pollination  (2)

3.1.2 Advantages of self-pollination

 Desirable characteristics are maintained 
 Produces uniform progeny  (2)

3.1.3 Description of double fertilisation

It involves two sperm cells, one fertilises the egg cell to form the
zygote,  while the other fuses with two polar nuclei to form the
endosperm.  (2)

3.1.4 Type of reproduction

Sexual  (1)

3.1.5 Deduction
Insect pollinated 

Justification
Large petals  (2)

3.2 3.2.1 Classification of fruits A, B and C

 A – Compound 
 B – Accessory 
 C – Simple  (3)

3.2.2 Reason behind classification of fruit B

Fruit B developed from a receptacle  instead of an ovary  (2)

3.2.3 Part of a flower from which each structure develops

(a) – ovules  (1)
(b) – ovary  (1)

3.3. 3.3.1 How weeds reduce yields

They compete with cultivated crops for space / water / nutrients  (1)

3.3.2 Name given to chemicals used to control weeds

Herbicides (1)

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6 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2019)

3.3.3 Reasons why weeds grow more than cultivated species

 Weeds grow easily in disturbed environments 
 Weeds produce large quantities of seeds 
 Weed seeds stay dormant in the soil for many years without
being damaged 
 Perennial weeds have underground parts that spread out
under the soil surface 
 Weeds are able to survive extreme environmental conditions
such as drought  (Any 2 x 1) (2)

3.3.4 Examples of weed seed dispersal agents

 Wind 
 Animals 
 Water 
 Birds  (Any 2 x 1) (2)

3.3.5 Ecologically sustainable weed control methods

 Biological control 
 Cultural control 
 Integrated weed control  (Any 2 x 1) (2)

3.3.6 Role of the state in plant protection

 Passes laws which regulate pest control 
 Sets up research councils to spearhead pest control research 
 Provides advisory services to farmers 
 Provides quarantine services  (Any 2 x 1) (2)

3.4 3.4.1 Comparing the performance of non-GM and

genetically modified cotton varieties
160
140
120
Yield (t)

100
80
60 Yield (t) Cotton
40 Yield (t) Bt Cotton
20
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Year

Rubric
 Correct heading 
 X axis correctly calibrated with label (Year) 
 Y axis correctly calibrated with label (Yield) 
 Graph type (Bar graph) 
 Correct units (t) 
 Accuracy  (6)

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(EC/NOVEMBER 2019) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 7

3.4.2 More productive cotton variety

Bt cotton  (1)

3.4.3 Possible reason for the differences in performance between

the two varieties
Bt cotton is resistant to bollworms (a pest)  which results in higher
yields  (2)
[35]

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8 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2019)

QUESTION 4: OPTIMAL RESOURCE UTILISATION

4.1 4.1.1 Identification of practice

Crop rotation  (1)

4.1.2 Principles used to design the crop rotation program

 Crops that require the same nutrients should not follow each
other 
 Crops that are affected by the same pests and diseases
should not follow each other 
 Shallow rooted crops should be followed by deep rooted
crops  (Any 2 x 1) (2)

4.1.3 Advantages of crop rotation

 Protects the farmer from total crop failure 
 Maintains soil fertility 
 Improves soil structure 
 Controls pests and diseases 
 Increases soil nitrogen content  (Any 2 x 1) (2)

4.1.4 Disadvantages of crop rotation

 Requires greater management skills 
 Requires more crop specific machinery 
 May not allow for maximum profitability as the space available
for the most profitable crop is limited  (Any 1 x 1) (1)

4.2 4.2.1 Example of growing media mentioned in the passage

 Perlite 
 Gravel  (Any 1 x 1) (1)

4.2.2 Benefits of hydroponics

 Low water costs 
 Fewer fertilisers are used 
 Reduced pollution of land and water sources since nutrients are
recycled 
 Soil borne diseases are eliminated 
 No soil is needed so plants can be grown anywhere 
(Any 2 x 1) (2)

4.2.3 Difference between open and closed hydroponic production

In an open system the nutrient solution is not saved for recycling
onto the same crop  while in a closed system the same nutrient
solution is re-circulated.  (2)

4.2.4 Suitability of hydroponics for subsistence farming

Not suitable because the system is expensive to install /
requires technical knowledge  (2)

4.3 4.3.1 Identification of implement

Plough / Ox drawn plough  (1)

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(EC/NOVEMBER 2019) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 9

4.3.2 Determination of appropriate type of tillage

A – Primary tillage 
B – Primary tillage  (2)

4.3.3 Advantages of using implement B over A

 Cheaper to purchase and run since no fuel is used 
 Droppings from draft animals add organic matter to the soil 
 Less soil compaction  (Any 2 x 1) (2)

4.3.4 Aims of primary soil cultivation

 To break up soil crusts 
 To incorporate fertilisers and organic matter into the soil 
 Destroy weeds 
 To improve soil aeration and infiltration capacity  (Any 2 x 1) (2)

4.3.5 Practices of conservation tillage

 No tillage 
 Strip/Minimum tillage 
 Mulching (Any 2 x 1) (2)

4.4 4.4.1 Identification of irrigation systems

A – Sprinkler irrigation 
B – Drip irrigation  (2)

4.4.2 Criteria used to determine water quality

 Turbidity 
 Soil salinity  (2)

4.4.3 Advantages of the sprinkler irrigation system

 It can be used on uneven land 
 Water is applied uniformly 
 Water is measured accurately 
 There is no loss of water through seepage  (Any 2 x 1) (2)

4.5 4.5.1 Name of the structure

Green house  (1)

4.5.2 Materials used to construct the greenhouse

 Polyethylene/plastic 
 Steel poles  (2)

4.5.3 Justification for using greenhouses

 Crop damage due to frost and rain is eliminated 
 Crops can be grown all year round 
 High quality crops can be produced 
 Yields can be improved 
 Crops that would normally not grow in particular area can be
grown  (Any 2 x 1) (2)

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10 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2019)

4.5.4 Environmental factors to consider before setting up

greenhouses
 Light 
 Temperature 
 Wind 
 Water supply 
 Drainage 
 Topography  (Any 2 x 1) (2)
[35]

TOTAL SECTION B: 105

GRAND TOTAL: 150

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