(a)(i) Mention two forms in which specimen J (Guinea Grass) could be preserved. (ii) State three qualities of each of the preserved forms of specimen J ment...

Answer Details

(a)(i) Two forms in which specimen J (guinea grass) could be preserved

• As silage
• As hay

(a)(ii) Three qualities of each preserved form

Silage:

• It is light pale green to greenish-yellow in colour.
• It has a mild, pleasant, fruity/acidic aroma and is free from mould and slime.
• It is succulent with a low pH (about 4.0 to 4.5), which prevents further degradation.

Hay:

• It retains a fairly green colour with a high leaf proportion.
• It is cut before flowering and is free from dust, moulds, weeds and poisonous herbs.
• It has a low moisture content (about 15 to 25 per cent).

(b) Three advantages of growing specimens J and K (guinea grass and Pueraria) together

• The legume K fixes nitrogen and improves the nitrogen status and fertility of the soil.
• The mixture provides a more balanced ration, giving energy from the grass and protein from the legume, and reduces the risk of bloat.
• The dense cover protects the soil from erosion, smothers weeds and conserves soil moisture.

(c) Four management practices to improve the pasture

• Rotational grazing/paddocking with controlled stocking to avoid over- or under-grazing.
• Weed control.
• Fertilizer application.
• Reseeding, supported by irrigation and pest and disease control.