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Soil Fertility And Evaluation Question Paper

Soil Fertility And Evaluation

Course:Master Of Science In Agronomy

Institution: Kenyatta University question papers

Exam Year:2010

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2010/2011
INSTITUTIONAL BASED PROGRAMME (IBP) – AUGUST SESSION
EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INTEGRATED SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT (ISFM)
KRM 502: SOIL FERTILITY AND EVALUATION
DATE: Wednesday, 29th December, 2010 TIME: 9.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
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INSTRUCTIONS:
Answer question ONE and any other THREE questions.
1. a) Differentiate between
i) Nitrogen fixation and phosphorus fixation (3 marks)
ii) Essential and beneficial elements (2 marks)
iii) Deficient and Insufficient nutrient status (2 marks)

b) Describe the fate of applied P-fertilizer in both acidic and calcareous soils (4 marks)

c) Explain five (5) environmental factors affecting plant growth (5 marks)

d) State the soil and environmental conditions under which sulfur
deficiencies are most likely to occur in the field (5 marks)

e) Explain the concept of ISFM and its importance in smallholder agriculture (5 marks)

f) What practices would you take to maximize N2 assimilation by rhizobium
bacteria in soil? (4 marks)

2. Discuss the factors affecting nitrification of NH4+ -N in soils. (10 marks)

3. Using chemical equations, explain the role of liming materials (CaC03 / Ca0) added to the soil in ameliorating agricultural land (10 marks)

4. Briefly discuss appropriate soil fertility replenishment strategies available for smallholder farmers in Central Kenya. (10 marks)

5. a) Why is soil testing important? (3 marks)

b) What are the disadvantages of bulk blending of fertilizers (2 marks)

c) Discuss the factors you would consider in deciding the rate of fertilizer
application for a maize crop (5 marks)

Soil Fertility And Evaluation Question Paper

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