Theory question 106
Basic Agricultural EconomicsThe table below illustrates a basic economic principle in agriculture.
Quantity of fertilizer used (bag) — Tomato yield (kg): 0 — 2; 2 — 6; 4 — 9; 6 — 11; 8 — 10; 10 — 5; 12 — 4
(a)(i) On the graph sheet provided, plot a graph showing the relationship between fertilizer used and tomato yield. Use a scale of 2 cm to 2 units on the x axis and 2 cm to 2 units on the y axis. (ii) Describe the relationship between the fertilizer used and tomato yield. (iii) Suggest the most appropriate quantity of fertilizer to be applied on the tomato farm.
(b) State three effects of subsidy withdrawal on agricultural production.
(c) List four print media that could be used to disseminate information about a new variety of maize to farmers.
(d) Name two insect pests each of the following crops: (i) maize; (ii) orange.
Show the model answer
(a)(i) Fertilizer (bags) on the x axis and yield (kg) on the y axis, both 2 cm to 2 units; plot (0,2), (2,6), (4,9), (6,11), (8,10), (10,5), (12,4) and join with a smooth curve rising to a peak at 6 bags then falling.
(ii) Yield rises as fertilizer increases up to 6 bags (11 kg), then falls with more fertilizer: the law of diminishing returns.
(iii) 6 bags.
(b) Any three: higher cost of inputs; farmers use less fertilizer, seeds and chemicals; lower output and food shortage; higher food prices; some farmers abandon farming; less mechanisation.
(c) Any four: newspapers; magazines; bulletins/newsletters; leaflets/handbills; posters; journals; pamphlets.
(d)(i) Maize (any two): stem borer; armyworm; grasshoppers; maize weevil (storage); earworm.
(ii) Orange (any two): fruit fly; aphids; scale insects; citrus butterfly/orange dog; mealybugs.
Read the peak of the curve for (a)(iii).