(a) What is land? [1 mark] (b) Mention six uses of land [6 marks] (c) State four ways through which an agricultural land may appreciate in value [4 marks] (...

(a) What is land?

Land is the natural, immovable portion of the earth's surface, together with all the free gifts of nature on and beneath it (soil, water, minerals, vegetation and air), which man uses for agricultural and other productive purposes.

(b) Six uses of land

1. Cultivation of crops (arable and plantation farming).
2. Rearing of livestock and establishment of pastures.
3. Construction of farm buildings, houses and roads.
4. Forestry and establishment of plantations.
5. Fish farming and construction of dams or reservoirs.
6. Mining and quarrying of minerals.

(c) Four ways an agricultural land may appreciate in value

1. Construction of good access roads and provision of infrastructure near the land.
2. Improvement of soil fertility through manuring, liming and good management.
3. Provision of irrigation, drainage or water supply on the land.
4. Development of the land with buildings, fencing and permanent tree crops, or increased demand as the population around it grows.

(d) Five benefits derived from soil organisms in agriculture

1. They decompose organic matter and release nutrients into the soil.
2. They aid in the formation of humus, improving soil structure and fertility.
3. Some (for example Rhizobium) fix atmospheric nitrogen for plant use.
4. They improve soil aeration and drainage by burrowing and mixing the soil.
5. They help in nutrient cycling and in breaking down toxic substances, keeping the soil healthy.