NATIONAL

SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 11

NOVEMBER 2014

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2
MEMORANDUM

MARKS: 150

This memorandum consists of 11 pages.

2 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (NOVEMBER 2014)

SECTION A

QUESTION 1.1 QUESTION 1.2

1.1.1 C √√ 1.2.1 D √√

1.1.2 A √√ 1.2.2 E √√

1.1.3 B √√ 1.2.3 G √√

1.1.4 A √√ 1.2.4 B √√

1.1.5 D √√ 1.2.5 A √√
(5 x 2) (10)
1.1.6 C √√

1.1.7 B √√

1.1.8 C √√

1.1.9 B √√

1.1.10 A √√
(10 x 2) (20)

QUESTION 1.3 QUESTION 1.4

1.3.1 Autotrophs √√ 1.4.1 Energy √

1.3.2 Parthenocarpy/parthenocarpy √√ 1.4.2 Dormancy √

1.3.3 Scion √√ 1.4.3 Transpiration √

1.3.4 Evaporation pan √√ 1.4.4 aquaculture √

1.3.5 Flood/Furrow/Basin irrigation √√ 1.4.5 xylem √

(5 x 2) (10) (5 x 1) (5)

TOTAL SECTION A: 45

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(NOVEMBER 2014) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 3

SECTION B

QUESTION 2: PLANT NUTRITION

2.1 2.1.1 Reasons for plants to have continuous water supply

 Water transports nutrients from the soil to the roots and to the
leaves/Water is the medium for nutrient transport in plants. √
 Water transports the products of photosynthesis from leaves to
the plant organs where it is used or stored. √
 Water provides structural support to plants and makes plants
turgid. √
 Water regulates plant temperature and cools the plant. √
 Water provides the medium for metabolic processes/for all
biochemical processes. √ (Any 3) (3)

2.1.2 Adaptations of plants to reduce excessive water loss

 Some leaves of plants have thick cuticles √

 Some leaves have small, sunken stomata √
 Some leaves are hairy (trichomes) √
 Some leaves have small surfaces (pinnas) √ (Any 2 x 1) (2)

2.1.3 Part of plant for water and nutrient absorption

Root hairs √ (1)

2.1.4 Transpiration pull

Upward pulling force exerted on the water column in plants √ when
water is lost during transpiration √ (2)
Osmotic flow
Movement of water through cells due to osmosis √ caused by an
osmotic gradient √ (2)

2.2.1 Processes of the dark phase of photosynthesis

 Chemical energy is used to reduce CO2 to glucose in the calvin

cycle. √
 The reaction of the dark phase occur in the stroma of a
chloroplast. √
 The dark phase is controlled by enzymes and therefore affected
by temperature √
 NADPH2 which is formed during the light phase releases
 Hydrogen atoms and ATP releases excess energy it carries. √
 The hydrogen atoms and the liberated react with CO2 taken up
during photosynthesis to synthesise carbohydrates. √
 Starches are synthesised through the withdrawal of water
molecules from the glucose molecules. √
 Glucose molecules combine with nitrate and sulphate ions and
converted through enzymes to form plant proteins. √ (Any 3 x 1) (3)

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4 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (NOVEMBER 2014)

2.2.2 Importance of photosynthesis to human beings

 It converts radiant energy from the sun to chemical energy. √

 Stored sugars such as carbohydrates are used by organisms
such as human beings. √
 Produces oxygen which is needed for cellular respiration by all
living organisms. √
 The extraction of CO2 from the atmosphere keeps the
atmosphere clean and maintains a healthy environment. √
 It is the origin of fossilised fuels such as coal and petrol. √
 It traps the energy for bio fuels which are produced from plants to
replace fossil fuels and limit global warming. √ (Any 3 x 1) (3)

2.2.3 Ways to increase the rate of photosynthesis

 Trellising to ensure that the fruit-bearing shoots have maximum

exposure to sunlight for photosynthesis. √
 Pruning to avoid overshadowing and to give leaves and fruit-
bearing shoots maximum exposure to sunlight for
photosynthesis. √
 Spacing of crops to give leaves maximum light exposure. √
 Green-houses to allow plants to obtain maximum exposure
through transparent roofs. √ (Any 2 x 1) (2)

2.3.1 Micro nutrients Macro nutrients

Boron √ Potassium √
Zinc √ Nitrogen √ (4)

2.3.2 Functions of boron

 Increases the uptake of water and calcium. √

 Essential for meristerm activity and growth of the pollen tube. √
 Involved in the translocation of carbohydrates. √ (Any 1) (1)

2.3.3 Ways of mineral nutrients uptake by plants

 Passive ion uptake by diffusion. √

 Active ion uptake by transport carrier molecules √ (2)

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(NOVEMBER 2014) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 5

2.4 2.4.1 Reasons for the use of organic fertilisers

 Organic matter helps the soil to hold water especially in sandy

soil. √
 Organic matter helps extra water to drain from clayey soil. √
 Organic matter helps to cool the soil in summer and to warm it
in winter/it absorbs heat during the day and emits heat in the
night. √
 Organic matter stops the soil from becoming hard and
compacted. √
 Organic matter helps to improve aeration in the soil. √
 Organic matter binds the soil so that it is not eroded by wind or
water. √
 Organic matter nutrients have lasting effect on the soil. √
 Organic matter improves the cat ion exchange capacity of the
soil. √ (Any 3 x 1) (3)

2.4.2 Characteristics of crops used for green manuring

 The seeds should be easily obtained. √

 The crop should grow rapidly. √
 It should have deeper root system in order to retrieve nutrients
from deeper zones, thus making these available in the top soil √
 It should be a strong feeder and be able to utilise some of the
slowly available reserve nutrients. √
 Legumes are generally used as they are able to fix nitrogen
gas. √
 It should have a high fibre content. √ (Any 3 x 1) (3)

2.5 2.5.1 Calculation of percentage of phosphorus in the mixture

Nitrogen: 3
Phosphorus: 2
Potassium: 5
Total % of all 3 nutrients 45
3 + 2 + 5 = 10 √
P = 2/10 x 45 √ = 9% √ (3)

2.6 Uses of gypsum to grain farmers

 It decreases the bulk density of the soil making it easier to till. √

 It prevents crusting of soil and aids seed emergence √
 Gypsum prevents water logging √
 It decreases the loss of nitrogen fertiliser to the atmosphere √
 It helps plants to absorb nutrients √
 It stops water run-off and erosion √
 It improves soil structure. √
 Gypsum corrects soil acidity √
 Gypsum decreases heavy-metal toxicity in soils √
 It keeps clay particles from adhering to roots, bulbs and tubers √
 It helps earthworms to flourish and improves soil aeration √ (Any 1) (1)
[35]

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6 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (NOVEMBER 2014)

QUESTION 3: PLANT REPRODUCTION

3.1 3.1.1 Pollination √ (1)

3.1.2 Water √
wind √ (2)

3.1.3 Cross pollination/Pollination

When pollen is transferred from the anther of a flower on one plant √
to the stigma of a flower on another plant √ of the same species. √

OR

Transfer of pollen grains from ripe anther √ to ripe stigma of a

flower √ of the same species. √ (3)

3.2 3.2.1 Insect pest in 3.2.1

Lesser grain borer/grain borer (1)

3.2.2 Insect-management methods to prevent stored grains

infestation
 Sanitation – clean-up of old grain and grain debris √
 Empty-bin spray with an insecticide √
 Empty-bin fumigation, primarily to control insects in the subfloor
space √
 Storing only clean, dry grain √
 Treating grain with a protecting insecticide √
 Aeration to cool the grain to prevent insect feeding and
reproduction √
 Regular measurement of grain temperature and sampling for
insects √ (Any 3 x 1) (3)

3.2.3 Ideal temperature for life cycle in 3.2

25 °C – 32 °C √ (1)

3.2.4 Implications of heavy pest infestation in stored grains

 Severe stored grain infestation will lead to food shortages √
 Price of grain crops on the local market will go up √
 Foreign exchange of agricultural crops will decrease √
 Control of the insects will be expensive. √
 It would affect food security in the country √
 It could demotivate potential grain farmers √ (Any 3 x 1) (3)

3.3 3.3.1 Natural methods Artificial methods

Corms √ Layering √
Stolons √ Budding √ (4)

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3.3.2 Advantages of vegetative propagation

 It is necessary for crops that cannot be propagated by seeds e.g.

banana and sugar cane √
 Plants propagated by asexual means are true to type √
 It is a very quick method of reproduction √
 Plants propagated by vegetative methods produce flowers and
Fruits much earlier than seed produced plants √ (Any 2 x 1) (2)

3.4 3.4.1 Important characteristics of GMO crops

 Resistance and tolerance to diseases √

 Resistance to herbicides √
 Increased tolerance to drought and low moisture √
 Increased water use efficiency, they are able to produce more
Yield with less water √
 Increased fertiliser use efficiency √
 They produce high yields √
 They are more nutritious √
 They have better keeping quality √ (Any 3 x 1) (3)

3.5 3.5.1 One name for the group of organisms

Bacteria √ (1)

3.5.2 Measures to prevent the spread of bacteria in plants

 Only use disease-free plant material such as seeds and -

seedlings √
 Buy certified seeds from well-known companies √
 Sterilise water resources to make sure the water is free of
diseases √
 Destroy weeds and pathogens in the top soil layers by heat
treatment √
 Use chemicals like fungicides to eliminate inoculums √
 Use sterile equipment √
 Introduce good crop rotation programmes resistant crop
varieties √ (Any 3 x 1) (3)

3.6.1 Ways weeds compete with crops on a farm

 For space √
 For sunlight √
 For soil nutrients √ (3)

3.6.2 Other ways weeds compete with crops

 Soil water/moisture √
 For air √ (Any 1) (1)

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8 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (NOVEMBER 2014)

3.6.3 Chemical weed control

It involves the use or application of chemical substances/
herbicides √ to kill/eliminate weeds or suppress plant growth by
altering their metabolic processes. √ (2)

Mechanical weed control

It involves removing weeds physically, √ either by hand or with tools
or machinery. √ (2)
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QUESTION 4: OPTIMAL RESOURCES

4.1 4.1.1 Explanation of soil survey

It is the process of classifying soil types and their distinctive

properties/differentiating soil types from one another in a given
area, √ and geo-encoding such information/interpreting and
implementing the information. √ (2)

4.1.2 Aims of soil survey

 For the suitability for a particular crop √

 Suitability for irrigation
 Suitability for animal grazing purposes √
 To prevent erosion risk √
 Identification for major agricultural land use e.g. gravel and
marshy land √ (Any 2 x 1) (2)

4.1.3 Steps to follow in the physical analysis of soil.

 Digging soil pits √

 Determining soil profile √
 Determining physical and chemical properties √ (3)

4.2 4.2.1 Type of farming in fig 4.2

Precision farming √ (1)

4.2.2 Aims of the method of the type of farming in QUESTION 4.2.1

 To minimise inputs. √
 Maximise yields. √
 To use sustainable practices such as pest, water and nutrient
management. √
 Reduces environmental risk of farming through accurate
application of inputs e.g. limiting leaching. √
 For effective management √ (Any 3 x 1) (3)

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(NOVEMBER 2014) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 9

4.3 4.3.1 Irrigation

It is the application of water to the soil or any growth medium √ for
the purpose of benefiting the plant √ (2)

Drainage
It is the removal of standing or excess water √ from the surface
and subsurface of a poorly drained soil. √ (2) (4)

4.3.2 Criteria to determine the water quality for irrigation

 Check the pH of the water and the pH of the soil √

 Determine specific electrical conductivity of water √
 Determine the sodium adsorption ratio/sodality of the water
should be determined √ (3)

4.3.3 Factors to consider when planning and applying an irrigation

method

 Quantity of water available √

 Topography of the area to irrigate √
 Infiltration tempo of the soil/texture and structure of the soil√
 Type of crop to be grown on the field √
 Method of cultivation to be used √
 Installation cost √ (Any 2 x 1) (2)

4.4 4.4.1 Cropping system in QUESTION 4.4

Crop rotation √ (1)

4.4.2 Justification of cropping system in question 4.4

 Four different crops rotate over four growing seasons. √

 Deep rooted crops like roots and tubers are followed by shallow
rooted crops like alliums. √
 Legumes are included to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. √
 The field is divided into four equal plots and each plot has the
same plant species. √ (Any 1 x 1) (1)

4.4.3 Factors which play a fundamental role in planning the

cropping system in question 4.4

 Consider the climatic conditions in terms of rain and

temperature √
 The crop must be suited to that particular type of soil √
 Sufficient labour must be available √
 Determine the demand for the crop √
 Ensure the availability of machinery √
 Ensure competent management skills √
 Know the family for the crop selection/include legumes √
(Any 2 x 1) (2)

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10 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (NOVEMBER 2014)

4.4.4 Benefits of the cropping system in QUESTION 4.4

 It helps to combat diseases, weeds and insect pests by

reducing their occurrence through changing host plants. √
 Reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals thus contributing
toward saving. √
 Reduces soil nutrient depletion because different crops with
different roots absorb nutrients from different soil dept. √
 Maintains soil fertility e.g. legumes add nitrogen to the soil
through nitrogen fixation √
 Reduces soil erosion through growing crops which provide
better soil cover and root system binding soil particles. √
 Spreads the risk of total crop failure. √
 Keeps the farmer and farm assistants competent in production
and management skills involving many crops. √ (Any 2 x 1) (2)

4.5 4.5.1 Benefits of green house for production of high value cash
crops

 Optimal effectiveness in the utilisation of natural resources is

achieved √
 Optimal production output is possible. √
 Better quality produce is achieved since insects/weeds and
physical damage by wind can be totally eliminated. √
 Better scale of economy is achieved/can produce all year
round √
 More effective √ utilisation of unsuitable agricultural land. √
 Risk of crop loss is minimal as plants are protected against
natural hazards. √
 More pleasant working conditions than in open-fields. √
(Any 3 x 1) (3)

4.5.2 Hydroponics

The process of growing plants in liquid, with added nutrients √ but

without soil. √ (2)

4.5.3 Growth mediums that support plants in hydroponics systems

 Pumice and perlite √

 Vermiculite √
 Expanded clay √
 Coir/peat √
 Wood fibre √
 Peat moss √
 Sawdust √
 Straw bales √
 Sand/gravel √
 Water √ (Any 2 x 1) (2)

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(NOVEMBER 2014) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 11

4.5.4 Factors which may restrict farmers from choosing certain

species for aquaculture

 Geographic location √
 Water supply √
 Availability of capital √
 Expertise and training √
 Availability of services √
 Market location √ (Any 2 x 1) (2)
[35]

TOTAL SECTION B: 105

GRAND TOTAL: 150

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