GRADE 8 Agriculture – Soil conservation measures Quiz

1. Which of the following is a soil conservation measure used in agriculture in Kenya?

Overgrazing
Terracing
Using chemical fertilizers
Burning crop residues
Explanation:

Terracing is a soil conservation measure commonly used in agriculture in Kenya to prevent soil erosion by breaking up a slope into a series of steps, which helps to slow down rainwater runoff and prevents soil from being washed away.

2. What is the main purpose of implementing soil conservation measures in agriculture?

To improve crop yields
To decrease soil fertility
To increase soil erosion
To harm the environment
Explanation:

The main purpose of implementing soil conservation measures in agriculture is to improve crop yields by preventing soil erosion, maintaining soil fertility, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

3. Which of the following activities is harmful to soil conservation in agriculture?

Mulching
Contour plowing
Deforestation
Crop rotation
Explanation:

Deforestation is harmful to soil conservation in agriculture as it leads to the removal of tree cover, which can result in soil erosion, loss of soil nutrients, and loss of biodiversity.

4. What is the purpose of contour plowing as a soil conservation measure in agriculture?

To decrease crop yields
To prevent water runoff
To compact the soil
To increase soil erosion
Explanation:

Contour plowing is used as a soil conservation measure in agriculture to prevent water runoff by plowing along the contour lines of the land, which helps to slow down the flow of water and reduce soil erosion.

5. Which of the following practices helps in improving soil health and fertility in agriculture?

Applying synthetic pesticides
Using cover crops
Excessive tilling
Monocropping
Explanation:

Using cover crops helps in improving soil health and fertility in agriculture by protecting the soil from erosion, adding organic matter, reducing weeds, and enhancing soil structure.

6. What is the impact of poor soil conservation practices on agriculture in Kenya?

Decrease in soil erosion
Loss of topsoil
Improved soil fertility
Increase in crop yields
Explanation:

Poor soil conservation practices in agriculture can lead to the loss of topsoil, which is essential for plant growth, water retention, and nutrient cycling, ultimately affecting crop yields and soil fertility.

7. Which of the following is a sustainable soil conservation practice in agriculture?

Applying chemical pesticides
Practicing crop rotation
Using heavy machinery for plowing
Clearing land for cultivation
Explanation:

Practicing crop rotation is a sustainable soil conservation practice in agriculture that helps to improve soil health, prevent soil erosion, control pests and diseases, and maintain crop productivity over time.

8. How does mulching contribute to soil conservation in agriculture?

By increasing water runoff
By promoting soil erosion
By reducing soil moisture
By preventing soil erosion
Explanation:

Mulching contributes to soil conservation in agriculture by preventing soil erosion, conserving soil moisture, suppressing weed growth, regulating soil temperature, and improving soil fertility.

9. What role does organic farming play in soil conservation in agriculture?

It depletes soil nutrients
It promotes soil erosion
It reduces crop yields
It enhances soil health
Explanation:

Organic farming plays a significant role in soil conservation in agriculture by enhancing soil health through the use of organic inputs, such as compost, manure, and cover crops, which improve soil fertility, structure, and biodiversity.

10. Which of the following is a benefit of using cover crops for soil conservation in agriculture?

Increased soil erosion
Reduced soil moisture
Enhanced nutrient leaching
Improved soil fertility
Explanation:

Using cover crops for soil conservation in agriculture helps to improve soil fertility by adding organic matter, nitrogen fixation, weed suppression, moisture retention, erosion control, and disease prevention.