Grade 7 CBC Complete Agriculture Notes

Grade
7
By:
Vyntex Technologies Production - www.vyntex.co.ke

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STRANDS
Strand 1-Conserving
Agricultural Environment.
Strand 2-Crop Production.
Strand 3-Animal Production.
Strand 4-Agriculture and
Technology.
TOPIC 1 CONSERVING AGRICULTURAL ENVIRONMENT.
1.1 Soil Pollution Control
 It is very important to human beings and animals to conserve the agricultural
environment.
 This can be done by learning about soil pollution and how to control it when carrying out
agricultural farming activities or practices.
 Soil pollution is the contamination of soil with harmful substances.
 The harmful substances in the soil are known as pollutants or contaminants
Causes of Soil Pollution in Framing.

 Excessive use of artificial fertilizers.
- These fertilizers introduce pollutants such as Nitrogen compounds and heavy metals into
the soil which accumulate in the soil to toxic levels and become harmful to crops and soil
living organisms.
 Excessive use of agricultural chemicals (agrochemicals) such as herbicides and
pesticides.
- These chemicals become pollutants when they get into the soil. They accumulate into the
soil and become toxic to soil living organisms.
 Throwing plastic wastes in the garden.
- Plastic wastes are not broken down by soil living organisms. They contaminate the soil
and interfere with the growing crops or reduces agricultural space.
 Throwing Chemical containers.
- Chemical leftovers from these containers get into the soil and become pollutants. The
pollutants accumulate to toxic levels and become harmful to the soil living organisms.
 What is the effect of soil pollution?

It causes production of crops that are not safe for consumption or use by human beings.
CONTROL OF SOIL POLLUTION
How can soil pollution be controlled in Farming?
 Soil should be protected from pollution to make agricultural produce safe.
 Safe soil pollution control practices are measures that are taken to reduce the pollutants in
the soil.
 Soil pollution can be controlled using the following methods:
o Carry out farming practices in the proper way.
o Use of correct types and amount of artificial fertilizer and agrochemicals.
o Safe disposal of used agricultural chemical containers.
o Safe disposal of plastic wastes, containers and straws.
o Practicing organic farming which is the growing of crops and rearing livestock
without using artificial fertilisers and agricultural chemical.
Creating Awareness on Prevention of Soil Pollution in Framing.
 The farming community may not know that the practices they carry out on the farm
pollute the soil.
 We can make the members of the community aware of soil pollution by creating a
message to make them aware of soil pollution and how to prevent it.
 Therefore, the awareness message on soil pollution is aimed at sensitizing members of
the public on the harmful effects of soil pollutants in farming.
 The awareness message should target the different categories of the people in the
community.
 The awareness message should be designed to educate the public on a wide range of soil
pollution control measures such as:
 Safe disposal of used agricultural chemical containers and plastic wastes.
 Use of correct types and amount of fertilisers and agricultural chemicals.
 The awareness message can be passed using the following methods:
 Dramatization.
 Presenting songs.
 Poems.
 Displaying posters etc.
Revision Questions.
1. Give three farming practices that cause soil pollution in farming
 Excessive use of artificial fertilisers.
 Excessive use of agricultural chemicals.
 Dumping if used chemical containers.
 Dumping off plastic wastes.
2. Describe the safe farming practices that prevent soil pollution.

 Carry out farming practices in the proper way.
 Use of correct types and amount of artificial fertilizer and agrochemicals.
 Safe disposal of used agricultural chemical containers.
 Safe disposal of plastic wastes, containers and straws.
 Practicing organic farming which is the growing of crops and rearing livestock
without using artificial fertilisers and agricultural chemical.
3. How can we make the members of the community aware of soil pollution control
measures?
 By creating awareness message and passing the message to the community through
posters.
4. What is the importance of controlling soil pollution in farming?

 It ensures the soil remains productive.
 It promotes food security by making the soil more productive.
 Ensures safety of the farmers.
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1.2 water conservation measures.
 In rainy seasons a lot of water flows into rivers in form of surface runoff and finally gets
into lakes and oceans.
 Surface run off is the water flowing on the ground after a heavy rainfall.
 The water may be conserved to be used for farming during the dry season.
 Surface run off causes a lot of damage to property if not properly collected
 Some of the damages caused by surface run off include:
 Soil erosion.
 Destruction to crops.
 Destruction to buildings and other infrastructure such as
roads.
 Surface run off is collected in structures such as:
 Water retention ditches.
 Earth basins.
 Water retention pits.
What is the importance of conserving water in Farming?
 Surplus or excess water can be conserved and used during the times of water scarcity in
the farm.
 Conserving water reduces the cost of farming. This is because money that would be used
to buy water in the farm is saved.
 Conserving water ensures availability of water for human life and livestock.
 A lot of water is wasted during rainy season.
 Rain water which forms surface run-off after heavy downpour is prevented from
damaging property.
What are the way or methods used to conserve Surface run-off?

1. Construction of water retention ditches.
 A trench is constructed along the contour to collect and hold surface off when there
is heavy rainfall.
 The trench should be dug along the contours.
 The surface run-off collects at the retention ditch as it rains.
 The water collected in the water retention ditches is used by the crops growing
around it.
Steps followed when constructing a water retention ditch.
 Determine the contour lines using an A-frame.
 Mark the contour lines with pegs.
 Dig the soil along the marked line to make a trench about 0.6m or 60 cm deep and
60 cm wide.
 Remove the soil with a spade and throw it downward to form an embarkment.
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 Plant grass or any other crop on the embarkment
Photographs showing water retention ditches

2. Construction of an earth basin.
 An earth basin is a small pond or a depression that is constructed on the surface of
land to collect surface run-off water after rains for use in farming.
 Water is collected in the earth basin when there is heavy rainfall and also runoff
collects in the earth basin.
 Water is drawn from the earth basin for irrigation.
 An earth basin holds surface runoff form the surrounding area. It can store this
water long after the rains. This water is used in growing crops.
Steps followed when constructing an earth basin.
 Clear the area where the earth basin is to be constructed.
 Excavate the basin by digging the soil and throwing it to the sides to form an
embarkment.
 Leave the upper side of the basin open to allow the flow of run odd into the
basin.
 Plant a crop or grass around the earth
basin to prevent soil erosion.
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3. Construction of a water retention pit.
 This are small depression in which crops grow and are used to trap water around
the base of the crop to be used by the crop. This reduces run-off.
 Surface runoff collects in water retention pits when it is raining.
 The water collected in the retention pits may be used to grow crops such as
vegetables, bananas and Napier grass.
 Water retention pits traps surface run off and allow it to seep into the soil.
 A series of pits may be dug into the ground where run off occurs and the pits
joined with furrows so that when one pits is full, water can spill over to the next
pit.
Steps followed when constructing an earth basin.
 Measure the spacing of the pits and mark with pegs.
 Dig the pits about 20-30 cm deep and spaced at 90 cm.
 The pits are planted with a crop. They help to hold surface run-off preventing soil
erosion.
Photographs showing water retention pits with crops in them.
Minimum Tillage Practices for Water Conservation in Farming.

 When farmers carry out many land preparations practices the soil is exposed to loss of
water.
 Therefore, they are advised to carry out few practices which is referred to as minimum
tillage.
 Minimum tillage therefore is the use of farming practices which reduce disturbance
of soil.
 Reducing the number of land operations helps to conserve soil moisture. This is what is
known as minimum tillage. Soil moisture that is conserved is used by growing plants.
 Minimum tillage practiced used to conserve moisture in the soil include the following:
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 Slashing weeds.
 Restricted cultivation i.e. cultivating only around the crop.
 Mulching crops.
 Clean weeding.
 Uprooting weeds.
 The purpose of minimum tillage practices is to conserve moisture in the soil to be used by
the growing crops.
 When clean weeding is done, the soil will lose moisture.
 In areas with shortage of rains, crops tend to do better on land where minimum tillage
practices are being practiced then where clean weeding has been carried out.
 Minimum tillage practices increase food production in dry areas and hence promote food
security.
 Minimum tillage practices reduce of the cost of production as land operations are
reduced.
Water Conservation Measures in Agricultural Environment.
 These are actions or farming activities that are taken to help the soil to retain moisture
for farming purposes.
 People in the community carry out different farming practices for water conservation in
their locality.
 The farming activities that help to conserve water are:
 Minimum tillage practices in area with shortage of rains.
 Construction of water retention pits.
 Collection of water from roof tops and storing it in tanks for use
during times of water shortage. This is called roof catchment.
 Collection of water from the rocks surface and storing it in a water
tank for use during times of water shortage. This is know as rock
catchment.
 The conserved water is used for various farming purposes.
Topical Revision Questions.

1. Give three importance of water conservation in farming.
- Promotes food security where conserved water is used to grow crops along after the
rains have stopped.
- It reduces cost of production by saving on money that would have been used to buy water
and irrigation.
- Conserved water is used for human life and livestock.
- It prevents damage of property by surface run-off after a heavy rainfall.
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2. What is the term used for describing the water that runs on the ground surface
during and after raining?
- Surface run-off.
3. Name three structures used for conserving surface runoff.

- Water retention ditches.
- Earth basins.
- Water retention pits.
4. Name three minimum tillage practices for water conservation carried out in
farming.
- Uprooting weeds.
- Slashing weeds.
- Mulching.
- Restricted cultivation.
5. Explain three minimum tillage practices for water conservation in farming.

- Uprooting weeds-pulling the whole weed out of the ground.
- Slashing weeds-use of slasher to cut off weeds. Another crop may be planted
without cultivating the slashed field.
- Restricted cultivation-cultivating only the area around the base of the growing
crops to remove weeds as the other parts are left uncultivated. This helps to
prevent loss of soil moisture through evaporation. Conserved water is used by the
growing crops.
- Mulching-this covers the soil around the base of growing crop and prevents loss
of soil moisture through evaporation. The water remains in the soil longer and is
used by the growing crops.
6. Explain four problems facing water conservation in agricultural environment.

- Lack of skills in water conservation due to lack of training.
- Negative attitude by members of the community due to lack of awareness on the
importance of water conservation.
- Water pollution from other human activities such as using excess fertilisers and
agricultural chemicals.
- Lack of enough resources to carry out some water conservation measures.
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1.3 AGROFORESTRY
What is Agroforestry?
 Agroforestry is the growing of tree and shrubs in combination with crops and keeping of
livestock on the same piece of land to conserve the environment.
 Growing trees on the farm has many benefits to farmers as well as raising of livestock
and growing of crops.
 Agroforestry helps to conserve the environment. The farmer benefits from trees, crops
and animals on the same land.
What is the importance of Agroforestry in Conserving the Environment?
o Agroforestry is important to the environment. It benefits the farmer through the following
ways.
 Trees provide food, forage, wood, fuel, shade and mulch.
 Trees grown in pasture fields help to conserve soil, water and wildlife. They
provide shade for the livestock.
 Trees help to prevent soil erosion by controlling surface and wind erosion
 Trees provide organic manure when they drop leaves which rot to form manure
increasing soil fertility.
Uses of various Trees grown in crop and pasture fields.

 Not all trees are suitable for agroforestry.
 Agroforestry trees can be established either in crops or in pastures.
 Trees grown in pasture fields have dense closed canopy which provide shade to animals.
 Trees grown in crop fields have open canopy and scattered branches which allow rain
drops and also allows the sun to pass through. This allows crops to grow well underneath
the trees.
Comparison between agroforestry trees grown in Crop fields and those
Trees in Crop Fields Trees in Pasture Fields
Grow tall to break wind. Grow short to provide shade.
Open canopy to allow rain and sunlight to Closed round canopy to provide a lot of
pass through. shade.
Produce edible leaves for animals. Produce edible leaves for animals.
Produce edible fruits for human and Produce edible fruits for animals
animals.
Deep rooting which does not affect plants Some may have spreading rooting system
growing underneath. which interferes with undergrowth.
Branches spread in all directions. Branches grow together to form umbrella
shape.
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 Characteristics of Agroforestry Trees grown in Crop fields
 A good agroforestry tree for conserving the environment should have the following
characteristics.
o They should be fast growing.
o They should be able to grow well alongside other crops.
o They should have multiple purpose or benefits such as;
 Edible fruits.
 Provide timber.
 Gives medicinal products.
 Provide forage for bees and other livestock
o They should have appropriate crowns for both crops and pasture fields.
o The have ability to fix nitrogen in the soil for other crops.
o They should have proper rooting system to hold soil and prevent run off without
interfering with the growth of other crops.
Choice /Selection of Agroforestry Trees.
 The appropriate agroforestry trees to conserve the environment are those that are able to”
 Trees selected should purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and
then release oxygen.
 Trees selected should provide nutrients to the soil by adding Nitrogen.
 Trees selected should help to improve the quality of water by
preventing soil erosion.
 Trees selected should prevent soil erosion by wing
Planting Materials for Agroforestry Trees.
 Quality planting materials are necessary for growing trees that can be sustained in an area
for a long time.
 Materials that are used for planting agroforestry trees should be obtained from mature
healthy plants.
 Agroforestry trees are established from different planting types of planting materials
which include:
 Seeds.
 Seedlings.
 Stem and root cuttings.
 Rooted suckers.
 When mature seeds drop from the mother plant to the base, they germinate into seedlings
called wildlings.
 Wildlings can be uprooted and planted directly to other areas. This is called
transplanting.
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 Mother plants which supply planting materials should be properly selected. They should
have the following characteristics:
Characteristics of mother plants that produce planting materials.

 They should be mature and healthy enough.
 They should be highly productive.
 They should be free from diseases.
 They should be free from pests.
 They should have good rooting ability.
 They should be suitable for the area.
 They should be fast growing.
Establishing Agroforestry Trees.

 Agroforestry trees can be grown in various environmental conditions. In school’s
agroforestry trees should be planted where they do not cause interference to other school
activities.
 A tree seedling nursery can be established in the school as in the photograph below.
 We can also use wildlings collected from the forests.

A tree nursery.
Steps followed when establishing Agroforestry trees
i. Select an appropriate site to plant the trees.
ii. Obtain the agroforestry tree seedlings from internal or external nurseries.
iii. Dig holes 60x60x60 cm for the seedlings.
iv. Separate top soil with the subsoil.
v. Mix enough compost manure with the top soil and fill the holes with the mixture.
vi. Make a small hole in the centre of the hole and place the tree seedlings in the hole.
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vii. Place soil around the base of the seedlings and firm it well.
viii. Apply mulching materials.
ix. Water the seedlings
Care of Agroforestry Tree Seedlings.

 Care should be given to a young tree seedling after transplanting until fully they are well
established. Well established agroforestry trees will grow well with minimum care.
 We can take care of young seedling by:
Practices carried out when taking care of Tree seedlings.
 Protecting the tree seedlings from animals, human and bird’s damage.
 Watering the tree seedlings twice a day when conditions are dry.
 Controlling weeds around the tree seedlings.
 Controlling pests and diseases by removing the parts affected.
 Removing excess branch, leaves and suckers from seedlings.
 Pruning and training. Remove unwanted parts and those that are broken or
attacked by pests.
 Correctly spacing seedlings to avoid competition for nutrients and
moisture.
Strand Questions
1. Explain the meaning of the term agroforestry in conserving the environment.
 Agroforestry is growing of trees and shrubs in combination with crops and keeping
livestock on the same piece of land for conserving the environment.
2. How does agroforestry conserve the environment?

 Reducing the speed of wind to control soil erosion.
 By recycling nutrients back to the soil through addition of organic matter.
 Providing shade which reduces water loss from the soil.
 Providing habitat to wild animals and birds.
3. What is the importance of agroforestry trees in conserving the environment?

 They control soil erosion.
 They provide food for livestock and human beings.
 Their leaves decompose to add nutrients to the soil.
 They provide shade for livestock and shelter for crops.
 They provide habitat to wild animals and birds.
 They act as windbreaks.
 They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and increase oxygen supply.
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4. Give four characteristics of agroforestry trees.
 Ability to grow alongside other crops.
 Fast growing.
 Have multiple uses.
 Ability to fix Nitrogen into the soil.
 Ability to hold soil particles together to prevent soil erosion.
5. Give five factors to consider when choosing agroforestry trees.

 Select trees that protect various living organisms.
 Select trees which control soil erosion.
 Select trees which provide multiple products.
 Select trees which provide nutrients to the soil.
6. Show how to select mother plant trees to provide seeds for establishing
agroforestry trees.
Select mother plants which:
 Are mature.
 Are healthy.
 Are suitable for the area.
 Grow fast.
 Are highly productive.
7. Give three types of planting materials used for establishing agroforestry.

 Seeds.
 Cuttings.
 Seedlings.
8. Name the practices carried out when caring for established agroforestry trees.
 Mulching.
 Watering.
 Weeding.
 Protecting from animal damage.
 Removing diseases and pest infected parts.
 Pruning.
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Notes prepared by Mwalimu Viny Namaye.
TOPIC 2 CROP PRODUCTION

2.1 PREPARATION OF PLANTING SITES.
 Planting is the placing of selected planting materials into the soil or any medium of
growth.
 The sites for planting are prepared first in a desirable manner to make planting easy.
Suitable Sites for Planting.

 Planting sites are areas where crops are grown.
 Suitable planting sites may include the following:
 Ground sites-seedbeds prepared on the earth’s surface.
 Container sites-areas where container gardens are placed.
 Walls-they are used for vertical gardens.
 Along the fence-planting sites prepared along the fence lines.
 Along the driveways-planting site established along any road
within the school environment.
 Crops should be grown in an area where:

- They can get enough sunlight.
- Where they are protected from animals and human damages.
- Where there is fertility.
- Where there are no pests and diseases.
Appropriateness of Planting sites for different Planting materials.
 Planting sites are prepared according to the type of planting materials.
 Different planting materials require different planting sites preparations.
 The size of the planting materials determines the soil fineness or the tilth of the planting
site.
 Soil tilth refers to the degree of fineness or coarseness of a soil in relation to its suitability
for planting a specified planting material.
 Soil tilth is described as fine, medium or coarse depending on the physical condition of
the soil.
 Small sized planting materials such as millet and sorghum grains require fine tilth.
 Medium sized planting materials such as maize and beans require medium tilth.
 Large sized planting materials such as tubers, suckers and cuttings require coarse tilth.
Preparation of Container sites.

 Some crops can be grown in container gardens.
 Container gardens are mainly used in areas where there is little space for growing crops
especially in urban areas.
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 The containers can be placed along the driveways, on the walls and in small spaces.
 The container sites should be well drained to allow proper growth of the crops.
 The containers for planting deep rooted crops should have deep soil.
 The containers are prepared depending on the type of planting materials to be planted as
follows;
 Small seeds require fine tilth.
 Medium sized seeds require medium tilth.
 Large planting materials require coarse tilth.
 The containers are arranged where there is space.
Preparation of Ground Seedbeds.

 Many crops grow well when planted directly on the ground.
 The area where ground seedbeds are to be prepared should be cleared.
 The seedbeds are prepared to produce suitable sites according to the size of the planting
materials.
 The site should be prepared early before the rains for rain fed agriculture.
 Procedure for preparing ground surface seedbed.
 Mark the area to be prepared with pegs.
 Clear the vegetation at the site using a slasher or panga.
 Dig the land using a jembe or a forked jembe.
 Break the large soil clods until the appropriate soil tilth is attained.
 Level the land.

Practical activity
Preparing a suitable planting site for crop establishment.
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Questions.
1. Give four types of sites that can be used for planting crops.
 Ground sites.
 Containers sites.
 On walls.
 Along the fence.
 Along the driveways.
2. Explain how planting materials determine the preparation of planting site.

 Planting materials are of different sizes. The different sizes of planting materials require
soils with different physical condition known as soil tilth. Small sized seeds require a fine
tilth; medium sized seeds require a medium soil tilth while large planting materials
require coarse soil tilth.
3. What is soil tilth?

 It is the degree of fineness or coarseness of the soil in relation to its suitability for
planting a specified planting material.
4. Give three categories of soil tilth in relation to the size of planting materials.
 Fine soil tilth.
 Medium soil tilth.
 Coarse soil tilth.

5. Describe how a ground seedbed is prepared.
 Mark the area to be prepared with pegs.
 Clear the vegetation at the site using a slasher or panga.
 Dig the land using a jembe or a forked jembe.
 Break the large soil clods until the appropriate soil tilth is attained.
 Level the land.
2.2 CROP ESTABLISHMENT.

 Crop establishment can be done by placing planting materials into prepared sites.
 There are many materials used for establishing crops.
 The different types of planting materials are grouped into either:
1. Seeds.
2. Vegetative materials.
 Seeds usually develop from fertilization of ovules in flowering plants.
 Vegetative materials are plant parts which have the ability to produce roots and develop
into new plants.
Categories of Planting Materials.

 Planting materials can be grouped into different categories as seeds or vegetative
materials.
 Seeds include grains of different cereals and legumes.
 Vegetative materials are plant parts which can grow into a new plant when placed in the
soil. They include tubers, splits, woody cuttings, slips, suckers, crowns, bulbils etc.
Flow chart showing categories of Planting materials.

Selection of suitable planting materials.
 It is very important to select planting materials for your garden.
 Selected planting materials should have the following qualities:
 High quality & Healthy.
 Mature seeds of different sizes.
 Seeds that are not broken or damaged.
 Seeds with smooth coats.
 Chemically treated seeds.
 Free from pests and diseases.
These tend to have high germination percentage.
 Seeds which are damaged, wrinkled, young or immature should not be used for planting.
They have a low germination percentage.
 High quality cuttings should be selected from middle woody cuttings.
 Cuttings from overgrown woody cuttings and those that are young or immature should
not be selected for planting. These may not produce roots easily.
 High quality planting materials are shown in the table below.
High quality Poor quality
Middle wood cuttings Overgrown wood cuttings and young
immature cuttings
Mature seeds of different sizes Young immature seeds
Chemically treated Seeds that are not chemically treated.
Seeds that are not damaged or broken Damaged or broken seeds.
Seeds with smooth coats. Wrinkled seeds.
Methods of Planting.
 Planting is the placement of planting materials into the soil.
 Different methods of planting can be used to plant different types of materials.
 Examples of suitable planting methods include: dibbling, drilling, broadcasting and row
planting.
 Dibbling-is where the planting materials are placed in holes or pits dug manually using a
dibber at distance from each other.

 Drilling-is where seeds are continuously dropped or distributed in shallow rows, drills or
furrows made at a distance from each other.
 Broadcasting-this is where seeds are spread or scattered randomly on the soil over a
relatively large area of land.
Factors determining the method of planting used for a specific planting material.
 The type of planting materials, i.e. whether seeds of vegetative materials.
 The size of the planting materials in case of seeds.
 The size of the planting size (seedbed).
 The desired spacing of the crop.
 Method of cropping.
SUMMARY NOTES
 When planting, the farmer has to determine the right method to use for different planting
materials.
 Drilling and broadcasting methods can be used when planting small seeds.
 Vegetative materials can be placed in dug holes or pits which is dibbling method.

Factors determining appropriate Time of Planting.

 Timely planting is necessary in order for the crops to make full use of the environmental
conditions.
 The appropriate time of planting is determined by the following factors.
- Rainfall pattern.
- Soil moisture content.
- The soil types.
- The type of crop to be grown.
- The demand of that produce in the market.
- Prevalence of the pest and diseases that may attack the crop.
- Time of harvesting.
- Staggered planting or planting at different times ensures constant supply of
produce to the market.
- Onset of rains.
 Different crops are planted at different time for various reasons.
Predicting Time of Planting.

 Farmers can predict time of planting using the onset of rains. Rainfall characteristics and
the data from the meteorological department of Kenya.
 Time of planting in rain fed agriculture is determined by the onset of rain.
 Knowing the expected time for the onset of rain helps in predicting the appropriate time
of planting.
 Planting should be planned to coincide with the onset of rains.
 Late planting results in the low yields as the crop does not get adequate rainfall.
Establishment of Planting Materials.

 Crops are established by planting materials
 This involves carrying out all activities in crop establishment from selection of planting
materials to the time when the crop is fully growing in the field.
 The planting materials are either seeds or vegetative materials.
 Before planting the materials should be prepared through the practices below;
Ways or practices of preparing planting materials before planting.

 Proper selection.
 Dressing seeds with chemicals.
 Hardening-off in case of seedlings in the nursery.
 Breaking dormancy in case of tree seeds.

Summary Notes.
 Materials for planting can be selected from seeds or vegetative materials.
 Each planting material has a specific site, way of preparing the site and method of
planting.
 The selected planting site should be prepared early.
 The materials should be planted at the prepared site.
 After establishment, the crop should be taken care of.
QUESTIONS
1.Give two categories of planting materials.
 Seeds.
 Vegetative materials.
2. study the pictures below and then answer the questions that follow.
A B C
D E
a.) Identify planting materials A, B, C, D and E.
A- Maize grains.
B- Green gram seeds.
C- Sugar cane cuttings
D- Beed seeds.
E- Irish potato tubers

b.) Categorise the above planting materials into either seeds or vegetative materials.
SEEDS VEGETATIVE MATERIAL
A-Maize grains C- sugarcane cuttings
B-Millet E- Irish potato tuber
D- Bean seeds
c.) Show the material required to be planted in:

I. Fine soil tilth.
B
II. Medium soil tilth.
 A&E
III. Coarse or rough soil tilth.
 C, D & E
3. Name five types of vegetative planting materials.
 Cuttings.
 Suckers.
 Vines.
 Bulbils.
 Splits.
 Tubers.
 Crowns.
4. Give three categories of cuttings.
 Stem cuttings.
 Leaf cuttings.
 Root cuttings
5. Give three methods of planting.
 Broadcasting.
 Row planting.
 Drilling.
 Dibbling.
6. Give one way of predicting time of planting.
 In rain fed agriculture, time of planting is determined by the onset of rain. If the rains
start early, planting is done early. If the rains delays, planting will be delayed as well.

7. Explain how the time of planting affects the time of harvesting.
 Crops take specified duration of time to mature. Therefore, if a given crop is planted
early, it is expected to mature and to be harvested early. If it is planted late, it is expected
to reach maturity late and therefore will be harvested late.
8. Explain four factors that determine time of planting.
 Soil moisture-soil moisture is needed for the germination of planting materials. Planting
is done when the soil moisture for most of crops. This moisture is either from rain or
irrigation.
 Onset of rains-rain makes the soil moist. Most crops are planted when the rain is
expected or start or has started.
 Timed market-crops grown for certain markets are planted at such a time when their
maturity and harvesting will coincide with the time the produce is needed in the market.
 Need for continuous supply of produce in the market-different portions of the field are
planted at different time to ensure that the crop will mature at different time and
therefore provide continuous supply of the produce in the market. This is what is referred
to as staggered planting.
 Time of harvesting-some crops are planted at a time when their harvesting will coincide
with a dry spell or with a certain market demand.
2.3 CROP MANAGEMENT

 Crop management is a set of practices carried out in an already established crop on the
field to provide it with proper conditions for healthy growth.
Differentiating weeds from crops.

 Any plant growing in a field where it is not planted is a weed.
 A weed is any unwanted plant growing in an established crop field.
 There are many types of weeds that grow in crop fields.
Presentation of weeds in pictures.

Take different pictures of weeds and compile them.
Student activity.
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Weed photo Common name Scientific name
Double thorn Oxygonun sinautum
pigweed Amaranthus Spp.
Black nightshade Solanum nigrum
Sow thistle Sonchus oleracea.
Wild oats Avena fatua
Couch grass Digitaria scalarum
Black jack Bidens pilosa
Nut grass Cyperus rotundus
goose grass
Weeding in a Crop Field
 Farmers should get rid of weeds that grow in crop fields by removing them physically.
 Farmers can use the following physical methods to remove weeds:
 Uprooting.
 Tilling.
 Slashing.
 Uprooting weeds- refer to pulling out the roots of weeds from the soil.
 Slashing weeds-involves the use of a cutting tool such as a slasher, sickle or pangas to
cut off weeds at the ground level to remove their shoots.
 Tilling-involves breaking and turning (slight cultivation) the soil to remove weeds using
a jembe or a panga.
Thinning and Gapping in a Crop Field.

 Thinning is the removal of excess seedlings in a crop field.
 When farmers carry out thinning, they uproot excess plants from the garden to prevent
overcrowding.
 Gapping is the replacement of seeds that did not germinate or dried after planting.
 In gapping farmer replace crops that refuse to grow may be due to pest and diseases.
 Thinning helps to prevent overcrowding of plants which causes competition for nutrients,
sunlight and moisture.
 When thinning, care must be taken to avoid damaging the roots of the remaining plants.
 Thinned-out plants can be used for gapping or as livestock feed.
 Carrying out thinning and gapping helps to maintain optimum plant spacing and optimum
plant population in the crop field.
Earthing Up in Crop Production.

 Earthing up is the heaping of soil around the base or root zone of the crop.
 Earthing up is carried out to strengthen the roots and hold them firmly in the soil.
 In tubers, earthing up provides room for tubers to increase in size.
 Earthing up helps to conserve moisture around the base of the growing crops.
 Earthing up encourages development of propping roots in cereal crops like maize. This
prevents lodging (falling of crops after bearing) in cereals.
Hardening in Crop Management.

 Hardening is a practice carried out after harvesting crops to prepared produce for storage.
It is also called curing if produce.
 Hardening harvested produce makes their skins tough to avoid peeling and rotting in the
store.
 It is also known as curing in some crops.
 Tubers such as Irish potatoes and bulbed onions are hardened just before harvesting to
prepare them for storage by heaping the produce under shade and covering with grass for
about four days. They are turned daily to ensure even drying.
 Hardening prevents the delicate skin of Irish potato tubers from peeling off during
storage.
 Hardening also helps to remove excess water in mature bulbed onions preventing rotting
in the store.
 Hardening can be done both in the field immediately after harvesting the crops.
 Hardening makes the crop not to lose quality during transportation.
Importance of Management Practices in Crop Production.

 Crop management involves agricultural practices carried out to improve the growth and
development of crops throughout their growth period.
 Crop management practices are specific to specific crops.
 Well managed crops make maximum use of soil as a resource and give good returns to
the farmer’s efforts.
 Management practices are important because;
 Improves crop yields for food security.
 Improves the quality of produce. This makes the produce attractive and marketable.
 Good management practices increase the storage shelf life of the produce.
QUESTIONS
1. Give the difference between a weed and a crop.
 A weed is any plant growing where it is not required while a crop is a plant grown for its
economic value.
2. Name five examples of common weeds.

 Pigweed
 Black jack.
 Sodom apple.
 Nut grass.
 Couch grass.
 Wild rape.
 Thorn apple.
 Double thorn.
 Wandering Jew.
 Mexican marigold.
3. Identify the following weeds.
A B C
D
 A-Double thorn.
 B-Black jack.
 C- Wild oat.
 D-Nut grass.
4. Give three physical methods of controlling weeds B.

 Slashing.
 Uprooting.
 Tilling.
5. Name three tuber crops that require earthing up.

 Potatoes.
 Cassava.
 Ground nuts.
6. What is the management practice that:
a.) Reduces overcrowding in a growing crop
 Thinning.
b.) Replaces crops that refuse to germinate

 Gapping.
7. What is the importance of thinning?

 It ensures optimum plant spacing and optimum population in growing crops.
8.
a.) Name two crops that require hardening.
 Potatoes.
 Onions.
 Garlic
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Topic 3 ANIMAL PRODUCTION

3.1 ANIMALS HANDLING
 Handling of animals is a very importance activity in the farm.
 Animal handling describes how human beings work with, respond to, and interact with
animals within their surroundings.
 It is important for animal management and healthcare.
Forms of Animal Handling.

 When carrying out various management practices on animals in the farm, the farmer
requires to handle animals in different ways.
 Management practices that require animal handling include; housing, feeding, treatment,
vaccination, obtaining animal productions and moving animals from one place to another.
Inhuman treatment of animals in the Community.

 Poor animal handling methods that exist in our communities include the following:
 Extreme use of force and punishment which leads to animals displaying unusual
behavior.
 Subjecting animals to unfair conditions or circumstances through willful actions of
the people that leads to animals suffering.
 Lack of proper feeding of the animals.
 Lack of proper pest and disease control.
 Using animals unfairly to provide labour and over working them.
 Poor restraining.
 Inappropriate harnessing.
 Inhumane slaughtering.
 Inappropriate castration.
 Poor transport methods.
 Overloading draught animals.
 Use of poor milking techniques.
 Inhumane treatment of animals may lead to dangerous relationship between human
beings and animals.
Defending animals against Inhumane Treatment.

 Animals live and work alongside human beings such that handling them is so frequent in
their lives.
 If animals are mistreated, they are not in a position to share the pain hence, they should
be defended by human beings.
 Therefore, it is everybody’s responsibility to ensure that the animals’ welfare is taken
care of so that they do not suffer unnecessary discomfort, stress and injury.
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 Working with animals can be dangerous encounter, many people who defend animals
against mistreatment know and feel the joy to have a positive relationship with them.
What way can human treatment of animals be stopped?
 Practicing good husbandry practices.
 Alleviating the suffering of an animal.
 Enhancing the appearance of the animal.
 Providing proper housing to the animal.
 Reporting cruel treat of animal to animal bodies.
 Transporting animals in comfortable positions.
Humane ways of handing Animals.
 Good animal handling techniques promotes kindness and compassion that leads to
positive human-animal relationships and their wellbeing.
 Human handling of animals means working with animals to minimise their distress
during human interactions.
 The Kenyan constitution, 2010 covers animal rights for both domestic and wild animals.
 The Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA) is an animal welfare
charity organization in Kenya responsible for protecting animals from neglect and abuse.
 Different animals are handled in different ways for various purposes. Practicing proper
methods of handling animals is important. Some of the methods used to handle animals
include;
 Use of solid wooden boards to guide pigs in the direction to move.
 Use of ropes, halters, bull rings and lead sticks, rumps, breeding chutes or
aprons, fences and crushes to restrain animals in a humane manner.
 Small animals and birds should be handled carefully to prevent fractures.
 Clinical practices such as castration, dehorning, docking and tooth clipping
should be carried in such a way that little pain is inflicted on the animals.
How to handle various animals in humane ways.

 Safe harnessing of a donkey.
 Moving a calf.
 Restraining a cow in a head yoke.
 Guiding a pig with timber blocks.
 Castrating an animal using a rubber and an elastrator.
 Proper handling of a rabbit with two hands when moving it.
 Identifying animals with a neck strap or ear tag.

A farmer is advice to use safe rules of handling animals. These rules
include:
 Always be calm.
 Avoid quick movements.
 Be patient and avoid prodding an animal of it has nowhere to go.
 Move slowly around the animal.
 Always have an escape route.
 Animals that are handles humanely:
 Stay happy.
 Eat well.
 Remain healthy.
 Produce high yields.
 The community is always ready to learn on new techniques that can help them save their
animals from cruelty.
Importance of Humane Treatment of Animals.

 Creates a desirable working atmosphere.
 Reduces stress.
 Maintains high quality and quantity products.
Community Awareness on the Importance of Humane Treatment of Animals.
 Creating awareness on humane treatment of animals helps individuals to work carefully
with animals.
 Lack of knowledge on humane treatment of animals by the community results to
misunderstanding of animals.
 The community should be made aware of humane treatment of animals through
messages.
 The messages should be written in bright attractive colours to attract readers.
 The message should be simple, shot, clear and easy to understand.
 The words used should depict (show) love, compassion and responsibility to the animals.
In what ways can the message be passed to the community?

 Messages can be printed on clothes such as T-shirts.
 Can be printed on caps.
 Sensitization of the community about importance of humane way of handling animals.
 Through media stations like radios, televisions and newspapers.
 On social media platforms.
 Demonstrations and dramatization.

Demonstrating Human and safe handling of animals.
 Demonstrating of humane and safe handling can be done in school or in the community.
 Safe or docile animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, small pets, sheep and goats including
the young stock, for example piglets, calves, kids and lambs.
 Safety measures should be taken to ensure all the people around are safe. All animals
used should healthy to prevent anybody from contracting diseases.
3.2 GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF PETS.

What is a pet?
 A pet is a tamed animal kept for companionship and leisure.
 Pet keeping is a mutual relationship which benefits both the pet and their owners.
 Pets reared in the Community.
These animals can learn some skills.
Types of Pets Reared as Pets in the Community.

 Popular pets to keep are those considered to have attractive look or appearance,
intelligence and with natural friendly personalities.
 Some communities consider pets as part of their family.
 Communities do not restrict they type of pets one can keep as long as they do not violate
the law.
 Any type of pet kept must be safe to handle, should not be a nuisance or disturbance to
the community.
Pets reared include.
 Parrots.
 Dogs.
 Cats.
 Guinea pigs.
 Rabbits.
 Cats.
 Pigs.
 Peacocks.
 Different types of fish.

Factors to consider when choosing a Pet for Rearing.
 Social factors- whether it will interfere with the neighbours such as noises, movements
etc.
 Economic factors- whether one can afford to keep it.
 Safety factors-whether it can be dangerous to people.
 Legal factors- whether it is allowed by the law to be kept as a pet.
How to Acquire a pet for Rearing.
 Owning a pet is a responsibility and it takes time to find the best pet for your needs.
 There are many house hold sources from which one can acquire a pet for rearing.
 Many households in the community keep pets which reproduce and multiply quickly.
 The responsibility of looking after pets is given to the young members of the family who
give away newborn pets to their friends and relatives.
 Some of the ways of acquiring a pet include;
 Buying from other community members.
 Adoption from pest rescuers such as KSPCA.
 Being given as a gift.
 Inheriting from relatives.
Management Practices in Rearing Pets.

 Pets should be provided with proper housing or spacious shelter, good ventilation.
 They should be cleaned.
 Provide good sanitation in the houses.
 They should be fed or given food daily that has balanced diet.
 They should be treated when sick.
 They owners should control parasites and diseases to keep the healthy through
vaccination, deworming and spraying against external parasites.
 They should have adequate exercise.
 They should be allowed to socialize with friends.
Selected Pet Management Practices.

 Different types of pest require specific management practices.
 These practices include;
 Proper Feeding.
 Disease control.
 Parasite control.
 Provision of good housing.
 Vaccination.
 Provide exercise.
 Maintaining high standard of sanitation.
 Prevention from household hazards such as poisoning.
 Protection from environmental hazards such as drowning.
 Accidents from vehicles.
Importance of Good management practices in rearing Pets.
 Well managed pets are healthy and therefore not likely to transmit diseases and parasites
to human beings.
 They are happier and friendly.
 They are good looking and attractive.
 They are likely to live longer.
 It easy to keep as they do not spend a lot on frequent treatment due to sickness.
 Clean and safe to have them around
3.3 Preparation of Animal Products.

 Most domestic animals are keep for their products.
 Animal products include milk, meat, eggs, honey, skin, wool and fur.
Sorting and Grading Eggs.
 Sorting is the process of placing items into a certain order so that they can be analysed in
a more effective way.
 Grading is classifying items according to quality or size.
 Sorting separates eggs according to the following factors:
 Size
 Shell Colour.
 Shape.
 Cleanliness.
 Texture.
 Quality.
 When sorting and grading, eggs are examined carefully and then separated according to
their size, weight, conditions of the shell, shell colour, shape and cleanliness.
 The graded eggs should be placed in plastic or cardboard trays.
 The broad end of the egg should be packed facing upwards.
 Eggs should be handled with care during sorting and grading to prevent breakages and
loss.
Eggs on clean
plastic tray Eggs on clean plastic tray

Reasons for sorting and grading eggs.
 For incubation purposes.
 For selling purposes.
Factors to consider when Sorting and Grading Eggs

 The following factors are considered when sorting and grading eggs.
 Size of the eggs.
 Weight of the eggs.
 Colour of the eggs.
 Shape of the eggs.
 Condition of the shell, i.e. broken, smooth or rough.
 Cleanliness of the eggs.
 Note;
 Cracked eggs should be sorted out and removed when grading eggs.
 Eggs for hatching should be removed and separated from those for consumption during
sorting and grading.
 Clean trays should be used for the sorted out and graded eggs.
Importance of Sorting and Grading Eggs.

 when marketing eggs consider what the consumers or buyers want. Consumers will buy
most attractive products.
 Consumers prefer eggs with strong smooth shells and those that are clean.
 Therefore, sorting and grading eggs has the following importance.
 High quality eggs fetch high market prices.
 Grading encourages farmers to produce high quality eggs, assuring the of
high profits.
 Sorting of eggs helps to grade them.
 Buyers prefer large eggs for consumption. Those who need eggs for
incubation usually but the medium sized eggs.
 Consumers prefer eggs with strong, smooth shells and those that are clean.
Processing of Honey
 Honey processing is the extracting of honey from the combs to make it easy to package
into containers.
 Honey combs are harvested from the bee hive or any site where the honey bees have built
their combs.
 Raw honey may also be in form of honey crushed and stored with combs together.
 Comb honey may contain some impurities.

Steps followed when processing honey
 Collect all the tools required such as muslin cloth, glass bottle, wooden spoon and
wooden rods.
 Break the honey combs into small pieces.
 Place the broken pieces of honey combs on a muslin cloth.
 Wrap honey combs with the muslin cloth.
 Crush and strain honey from honey combs into a container using the wooden rods.
Honey combs to broken into small pieces.
Place the broken pieces of honey combs on a muslin cloth.
Wrap honey combs with the muslin cloth

Crush and strain honey combs into a container using the

wooden rods.
Packing Honey.
 Once honey is harvested from the combs, it is packed into suitable containers for use or
storage or for sale.
 Honey stored in suitable containers remain clean and safe for consumption and can be
stored for longer period of time.
 Honey should be stored in containers that do not allow moisture into honey.
 When honey is stored in an open place, it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and
spoils quickly.
 Honey should be stored in plastic, glass or Aluminium containers and sealed tightly to
prevent air and moisture from getting into the honey.
 Packed honey should be stored at room temperature in a dry place to avoid
crystallization.
Honey stored in closed containers that do not allow in moisture.

Importance of Processing Raw Honey.
 To ensure clean and quality honey is produced.
 To obtain other products such as bee wax.
 To make honey safe for consumption.
 To remove impurities such as wax, dead bees, bee wings and legs.
 To enable honey, stay for longer period without spoiling before use.
 To add value to the final product.
 Processing makes honey lighter and easier to transport.
The Value of Preparing Animal Products.

 Some animal products cannot be used in their raw form until they are prepared or
processed first.
 Animal products need to be transported from where they are produced to where they
consumers are located hence the need to prepare them.
 Unprocessed animal products get spoilt quickly if stored fro along time.
 Processing and packing animal’s products prevents interference with product quality.
 Preparing animals products through processing adds vale and increases the consumer’s
choice for many products.
QUESTIONS.
1. Explain how eggs are sorted out and graded for marketing.
 Size-extra-large and large eggs are packed together for sale.
 Cleanliness-eggs for marketing should be packed together for sale.
 Egg colour – eggs of the same colour are packed together.
 Condition of the eggs- should have smooth shells without any cracks.
2. Identify the materials required for processing honey using the crushing and straining
method.
 Muslin cloth.
 A clean container.
 Two wooden rods.
 A string.
3. How many eggs are packed in a tray?

 30 eggs per tray.
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4. Explain two reasons why eggs are packed in a tray with the broad end facing up.
 To allow air circulation inside the eggs which keeps it fresh.
 To allow easy packing of the eggs into the trays.
5. Explain four reasons for grading eggs for marketing.

 In order to fix the prices.
 To give the consumer a wide choice of the quality they require.
 To encourage farmers to produce high quality eggs.
6. Why is honey packed in plastic or glass products?

 To prevent contamination of honey.
7. Why is it important to add value to animal products?

 To increase the shelf life.
 To reduce their bulkiness/make them lighter for easy transportation and storage.
 To get a variety of products.
8. What factors are considered when sorting and grading eggs?

 Cleanliness.
 Size of the eggs.
 Shell colour.
 Shape of the eggs.
 Smoothness or roughness of the shell.
 Presence or absence of cracks.

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Topic 4 AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY.

4.1 Off-Season Cropping Techniques.
Meaning of Off-season Cropping as a Farming Technique.
 Crops that depend on rain season are known as Seasonal crops.

 They grow during the period of the year when there is rainfall and good conditions from
crop growth.
 However, there are some crops that can be grown in between the rain seasons. Such crops
are called Off-season crops.
 Off season cropping is the production of high value crops outside the normal rain
season.
 Usually a fast growing crop is grown in between the harvesting and the next planting
season.
 The crops mature before the next planting season starts.
 Off season cropping is used when growing a short term crop available for irrigation.
 The planting of the off-season crop is timed in such a way that the crop matures when it
is required in the market.
Importance of Off-season Cropping in Agriculture.

 It leads to growing of high value short season crops.
 There is proper use of land and labour in both dry and rainy seasons.
 Farmers get high profits from producing crops during the time when the supply is low.
 There is continuous supply of food.
Appropriate Technology to Support Off-season Cropping.

 Some of the technology used to support off-season cropping include those that conserve
water, use small spaces to grow crops and those that help to produce crops that mature
early.
 These technologies are:
 Innovative drip irrigation-water is supplied to the crops by dripping slowly around the
root zone. This reduces water wastage and maximizes production.
 Container gardening-this is where crops are grown in small spaces which require little
water.
 Wick irrigated garden-small containers split into two halves
 Use of appropriate technology enables food production through off-season cropping.
 High value, short season crops can be grown off-season using innovative drip irrigation
to economise on water.
 Container gardening techniques can be used where there is little space for growing crops.
 The wick irrigation garden is made up of several containers split into two halves, where
the lower half holds water while the upper while the upper half holds the soil for planting
the crops. The wick, which is made of material that can absorb water is dipped into the
water in the lower half of the container to deliver it to the soil in the upper half of the
container through sunction.
Wick irrigated garden
Innovated drip irrigation.
Container gardening.
Appropriate Techniques used in Off-season Cropping.

 Use of appropriate techniques of production enables farmers to produces crops
continuously on a piece of land.
 The idea of off-season crop production is to grow a crop after or before the rainfall
season.
 The techniques such as timed planting, staggered planting and succession planting are
used.
 Timed planting-this means planting is done in such a way that the crop matures
when it is required.
 Staggered planting-this is making several plantings at certain intervals so as to
space the harvesting.
 Succession planting-this is where a new crop is placed immediately after
harvesting the first crop to maintain consistent supply of produce.
Importance of Off-season Crop Production Techniques and Technologies.
 Off-season production techniques and technology ensures that a product is supplied in the
market when it is mostly needed by customers.
 Therefore, off-season techniques and technology has the following advantages.
 High profits for the products.
 Provides fresh produce to the customers.
 Creates employment all year round.
 Make maximum use of their resources to help assure for food securities for the
population.
 Assures for food security for the population.
Importance of Off-season Cropping Techniques and Technologies for Food

Security.
 Food security is when people have access to sufficient food at all times to meet
nutritional needs for a productive and healthy life.
 The following factors help to increase food security in the country.
 Using crops adapted to different agro-climatic conditions.
 Using improved crop varieties which mature faster.
 Adjusting planting time.
 Use of green houses to modify climate.
 Use of innovative drip irrigation.
 The following techniques help to control Pest and diseases.
 Use of netting to keep off insects, to modify temperature and break the rain
drops into small droplets which pass through the nest as mist.
 Intercropping certain types of crops to keep off pests, for example, onions grown
together with lettuce controls aphids.
Importance of off season cropping techniques for food security include:
 Increase in food supply by producing crops in both rainy and dry season.
 High value and fat growing crops are produced such as vegetable and fruits which fetch
high prices.
 Consumers get fresh produce with high nutrition throughout the year.
 Commercial production is adapted leading to increased exports of fresh produce from
one country to another.
Off-season cropping ensures food security through;
 Use of improved varieties which mature faster.
 Use of improved disease and pest control.
4.2 FRAMED SUSPENDED GARDENS.
 Framed suspended gardens are structures which are creatively build to provide space and
support for crops to be grown vertically.
 Suitable Crops for Suspended Gardening.
 Framed suspended gardens are suitable for growing climbing, shallow rooted and crops
whose fruits are not too heavy to be supported by the frames and ornamental plants.
 Suspended gardens are suitable for growing off-season crops that require small spaces,
use of little water and grow quickly.
 Kitchen gardens made of framed structures serve as a quick way of providing fresh
vegetables, fruits and herbs to households at low cost.
 Creeping crops such as squash, sweet melon, cucumber, butternuts, creeping beans and
strawberries can grow well when given support.
Suitable sites to prepare Framed Structures for Suspended Gardens.

 Framed gardens can be used as movable free standing structures in places where a
temporary garden is needed since they can be moved easily.
 They can also be attached to other structures like fences, walls or balconies to save
valuable floor space.
 Suspended gardens are also called “hanging gardens” which are used to grow crops in
small spaces.
 Hanging gardens are artistically build structures that provide space and support for crops
in the aerial space.
 The gardens can be made on framed vertical structures placed along fences, gates,
pathways and on different types of trellises as shown in the pictures below.
 Arbor arch-this are arch-shaped structures whose walls and roof consists of open
framework to support creeping and climbing crops.
 Pergola-This is an outdoor garden structure with a roof made of cross-beams where
creeping and climbing crops are grown to provide shade along sidewalks, passageways or
sitting areas. In the School Compound Framed structures can be
prepared in following areas.
 Near school gates for beauty.

 At school roundabouts.
 At the flag posts.
 Along walls of the hostels
framed suspended wall gardens

Arbor arch garden.
Suspended boxes garden.
Pergola gardens.
Framed Structures designs for Suspended gardens.

 The designs for suspended gardens depend on the materials, space available and the sites
for the gardens, though the owners’ choice and preferences are considered.
 When designing framed structures for suspended gardens, it is important to consider the
following:
 The shape the garden will take.
 The space available for the garden.
 The site where the garden is to be placed in relation to the surrounds.
 The type of plants to be grown in the framed structures.
 The sketch plans should show measurement to give an idea of the amount of materials
required.
 The plans should also specify the types of materials to be used.
Materials for the Construction of the Framed Suspended Gardens.
 The material selected by farmer for constructions of suspended framed garden should
have the following characteristics
 Cheap.
 Easily available.
 Long lasting.
 Easy to work with.
Examples of the material for construction of the Framed suspended gardens can be:
 Available timber.
 Left over wires.
 Nails.
 Metal bars.
 Wooden planks.
 Poles.
Construction of Framed Structures for suspended gardens.
 The type and size of framed structures for the suspended gardens to be constructed
depend on the space and available materials.
 The following types of farmed gardens can be constructed.
 Arbor arch gardens.
 Triangular wooden framed gardens.
 Pergola gardens.
 Suspended boxes gardens.
 Tyre gardens.
 Trellis gardens
Procedure for constructing wooden boxes.
 Cut the pieces of wood for the for the frames of the boxes.
 Join the wood pieces with nails or screws at the four corners to make the frames.
 Fix a wire mesh at the bottom of the frame and hold with staples.
 Fix a plywood piece to hold back the wire mesh from outside and secure with nails.
 The box is ready for use. Its depth depends on the crop to be planted.
Establishment of Selected Off-season Crops on Suspended gardens.
 Framed suspended gardens are appropriately used for growing off-season crops since it is
possible to economise the little water available.
 The gardens should be placed where they will get a lot of sunshine but sheltered from the
winds.
 The framed structures can be placed one over the other to form wooden staircase garden
as shown in the following photograph.
Management of Selected Off-season Crops on Framed Suspended Gardens.

 Crops established in the framed suspended gardens needs to be given care in order to
grow strong and healthy to give expected produce.
 The management practices carried on the off-season crops in suspended gardens help
crops to grow strong and health.
 The management practices are carried out on daily basis according to assigned tasks.
 The practices are carried out as follows:
i. Weeding-done by uprooting weeds.
ii. Mulching-done by spreading dry leaves or pebbles around the base of the plant.
iii. Watering-dine by use of drip irrigation using pipes or perforated pipes or bottles.
Wick irrigation is also recommended.
iv. Pests and disease control-done by uprooting or removing the affected plant parts.
 Care should be taken when carrying the management practices to avoid damaging the
crops.
 Observe safety precautions when working with tools and equipment.
Educative Messages on Framed Suspended Gardens.
 We should make the school community aware of the importance of using framed
suspended garden to grow off-season crops in our school
 When educative messages are used, the school community is made aware of how to grow
crops in small areas.
 Various methods of disseminating (passing out) the educative messages can be used.
These methods include:
 Printing the messages on T-shirts, caps, key holders and wrist bands, then selling
or wearing these items during holidays or school open days.
 Printing posters with the message and placing them in open places such as head
teachers waiting room at school gates, school canteen and all the notice boards.
 Role playing and reciting poems during school open days.
4.3 VALUE ADDITION TECHNIQUES.
 Most agricultural products are perishable.
 This means they are easily spoilt when stored for a long period after harvesting.
 Hence, they need to be processed to increase the storage.
Meaning of Value Addition in Crop Produce.

 Value addition is the process of changing a product from its original form to a better
form.
 It involves transforming of raw materials into forms that can have a long storage (shelf)
life and are more profitable in the market.
 Value addition involves changing raw agricultural produce into new products which have
more value.
 Value added products have a long storage life.
Examples of value addition in crop produce are as shown below.

 Fresh mango fruits to Dried mango pulp.
 Groundnuts in pods to parked roasted groundnuts.
 Raw potatoes tuber to Fried and packed potato crisps,
 Raw cassava root tuber to Dried and milled cassava flour.
Ways of Adding Value to Crop Produce.
 Adding value to a product can be done in a number of different ways which give us new
products.
 Some methods used include: drying, frying and roasting.
 They help to remove excess water from the crop produce.
 It prevents fungal attacks on the produce which brings about rotting.
Crop produce Value added product.

Potatoes crisps, flakes, canned potatoes
Mangoes. juice, sliced dried and packed mangoes.
Vegetables dries and packed vegetables.
Cassava flour, chips and crisps.
Groundnuts packed roasted beans.
pressed groundnuts cake
Sim sim simsim balls, and oil
Sweet potatoes Crisps, flor
pumpkins Flour and juice.
Processing Crop Produce for Value Addition.
 Processing crop produce changes them from their raw form into a better form which can
be easily used.
 The method of value addition depends on the type of crop produce, uses of the produce
and the length of storage intended.
 Some value addition processes are lengthy and expensive but they produce a stable
product for consumption or sale.
 The methods of adding value to selected crop produce are as follows.

Preparation of  Wash the selected tubers.
potato crisps  Peel the tubers and cut them into small pieces of the
desired shape.
 Deep the potato pieces into hot oil.
 Cook until golden brown. (they are now potato crisps).
 Remove the crisps from the boiling oil and allow the crisps
to cool.
 Serve the potato crisps or pack them for sale.
Preparation of  Wash the selected mango fruits.
dried mangos  Cut the peeled mango into thin slices separating the fleshy
part from the mango seed (ensure the slices are equal in
size, preferably 1 cm thick.
 Deep the cut pieces into lemon juice for preservation.
 Dry the pieces in an oven at low temperature. Allow them
to bake for 3 to 4 hours, turning them every 30 minutes for
uniform drying.
 Arrange the slices in a tray and then sun-dry them for 2-4
days in low humid (dry) conditions.
 Turn the slices regularly for even drying.
 The dried mangoes can be stored or packed for sale.
Preparation of  Wash the produce with running water and then chop into
dried vegetables small pieces removing all woody or tough parts.
 Deep the cut vegetable produce into hot water to stop
enzymes action on the vegetables which may affect flavour
and colour of produce during storage. Alternatively, you
can steam the cut vegetables but this takes long.
 Dry the cut vegetables in an oven or sun dry it until it is
about 10-20% moisture content depending with the
vegetable. Leafy vegetables can be dried up to 10% while
fruit vegetables can be dried up to 20% moisture content.
 Cool the value added vegetables before storage.
 Store or pack for sale.
Preparation of  Peel the selected cassava tubers and cut them into small
cassava flour cubes.
 Sun dry the cubes.
 Grind the dried cubes into flour with the help of a grinding
mill.
 The flour is ready for use in various ways. It can be mixed
with flour from cereals to prepare uji, ugali or even cakes
Preparation of  Put the selected groundnuts beans in a clean container and
roasted mix them with drops of selected water.
groundnuts.  Put the salted groundnuts beans in a heated oven and roast
them until their coats turn brown and feathery.
 Remove the roasted groundnuts from the oven and allow to
cool.
 Serve the roasted groundnuts or pack them for sale.
Preparation of  Select and wash the simsim grains thoroughly removing
simsim balls. stones and other foreign objects and allow to dry.
 Place a pan or sufuria on fire and put sugar.
 Put the simsim grains in the melted sugar. And roll into
balls.
 Allow the balls to cool.
 Serve or pack in a container for sale.
Preparation of  Wash and peel the selected tubers.
sweet potatoes  Slice the peeled tubers into the desired shape.
 Deep the chopped pieces into the boiling oil and allow to
cool.
 Remove the sweet potato crisps from the boiling oil and
allow to cool
 Serve the crisp or pack for sale.
Preparation of o Wash and peel the selected fruits.
pumpkin flour o Cut the pumpkin into halves and scoop out all the seeds.
o Bake the pumpkin for about 1 hour.
o Allow the pieces to cool for about 10 minutes.
o Scoop the pumpkin flesh into a container.
o Dry the pumpkin flesh into powder.
o Grind the dried pumpkin into powder.
o Store in a tightly covered containers.
Pumpkin floor can be stored for a long period of time.
Comparison between Processed and Raw Crop Produce.

 Processed crop produce have many benefits to the farmer and the consumer or example:
 They sell at higher prices than the raw produce in the market.
 Processed produce have a longer storage life span than the raw product.
Importance of Value Addition in Crop Produce.

 Value addition in crop produce plays a role in reducing food wastage, improving food
security and conserving the agricultural environment.
 Value addition of crop produce helps to:
 Increase the storage life of produce.
 Improve the selling price of produce for the farmer.
 Reduces the loss of produce after harvesting.
 It makes the produce attractive to the customers and therefore increases the
demand of the produce.
 It makes the crop produce available in the market for a longer time and hence
promotes food security.
 It makes it possible to store produce in small space.
 It makes transportation of produce easier and less costly.
Notes prepared by:

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or 0114935675
0710250520 or 0114935675
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Vyntex Technologies Production - www.vyntex.co.ke

Strand 2-Crop Production.

Strand 3-Animal Production.

Strand 4-Agriculture and

Causes of Soil Pollution in Framing.

 What is the effect of soil pollution?

2. Describe the safe farming practices that prevent soil pollution.

4. What is the importance of controlling soil pollution in farming?

What are the way or methods used to conserve Surface run-off?

Photographs showing water retention ditches

Photographs showing water retention pits with crops in them.

Minimum Tillage Practices for Water Conservation in Farming.

Topical Revision Questions.

3. Name three structures used for conserving surface runoff.

5. Explain three minimum tillage practices for water conservation in farming.

6. Explain four problems facing water conservation in agricultural environment.

Uses of various Trees grown in crop and pasture fields.

Characteristics of mother plants that produce planting materials.

Establishing Agroforestry Trees.

Care of Agroforestry Tree Seedlings.

2. How does agroforestry conserve the environment?

3. What is the importance of agroforestry trees in conserving the environment?

5. Give five factors to consider when choosing agroforestry trees.

7. Give three types of planting materials used for establishing agroforestry.

Make order of Quality Notes, Exams, Schemes of

TOPIC 2 CROP PRODUCTION

Suitable Sites for Planting.

 Crops should be grown in an area where:

Preparation of Container sites.

Preparation of Ground Seedbeds.

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2. Explain how planting materials determine the preparation of planting site.

3. What is soil tilth?

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2.2 CROP ESTABLISHMENT.

Categories of Planting Materials.

Flow chart showing categories of Planting materials.

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Factors determining appropriate Time of Planting.

 Different crops are planted at different time for various reasons.

Predicting Time of Planting.

Establishment of Planting Materials.

Ways or practices of preparing planting materials before planting.

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c.) Show the material required to be planted in:

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2.3 CROP MANAGEMENT

Differentiating weeds from crops.

Presentation of weeds in pictures.

pigweed Amaranthus Spp.

Black nightshade Solanum nigrum

Sow thistle Sonchus oleracea.

Wild oats Avena fatua

Black jack Bidens pilosa

Nut grass Cyperus rotundus

Thinning and Gapping in a Crop Field.