NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 11
NOVEMBER 2024
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2
MARKING GUIDELINES
MARKS: 150
TIME: 2½ hours
This marking guidelines consists of 10 pages.
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2 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2024)
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 1.1.1 C ✓✓
1.1.2 C ✓✓
1.1.3 C ✓✓
1.1.4 D ✓✓
1.1.5 A ✓✓
1.1.6 B ✓✓
1.1.7 D ✓✓
1.1.8 C ✓✓
1.1.9 D ✓✓
1.1.10 D ✓✓ (10 x 2) (20)
1.2 1.2.1 H ✓✓
1.2.2 C ✓✓
1.2.3 D ✓✓
1.2.4 E ✓✓
1.2.5 G ✓✓ (5 x 2) (10)
1.3 1.3.1 Autotrophic ✓✓
1.3.2 Dicotyledonous ✓✓
1.3.3 Ablactation ✓✓
1.3.4 Drainage ✓✓
1.3.5 Greenhouse ✓✓ (5 x 2) (10)
1.4 1.4.1 Guttation ✓
1.4.2 Fertigation ✓
1.4.3 Pistil ✓
1.4.4 Rhizomes ✓
1.4.5 Cut-off ✓ (5 x 1) (5)
TOTAL SECTION A: 45
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2024) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 3
SECTION B
QUESTION 2: PLANT STUDIES (NUTRITION)
2.1 2.1.1 Identification of the process
• Photosynthesis ✓ (1)
2.1.2 Substances A and C
• A ‒ Energy from the sun ✓ (1)
• C ‒ Water ✓ (1)
2.1.3 The gas that is produced by photosynthesis
• Oxygen ✓ (1)
2.1.4 Importance of photosynthesis to the environment
• The process uses carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, ✓ this
keeps the atmosphere clean and maintains the environment /
health. ✓
OR
• It produces oxygen which accumulates in the atmosphere and
forming a layer of ozone ✓ that protects living organisms from
dangerous ultraviolet radiation from the sun ✓ (Any 2 x 1) (2)
2.1.5 TWO ways to increase the rate of photosynthesis
• Sunlight ✓
• Chlorophyll ✓
• Temperature ✓
• Carbon dioxide ✓
• Wind ✓
• Atmospheric pressure ✓ (Any 2 x 1) (2)
2.1.6 Justification why photosynthesis is an anabolic process
• Photosynthesis is a building process ✓ by which new molecules
like carbohydrates are formed ✓ (2)
2.2 2.2.1 Mechanisms through which roots absorb minerals
(a) Diffusion ✓ (1)
(b) Active transport ✓ (1)
2.2.2 Structural adaptability of roots to perform its function
• Roots have root hairs that increase the surface area ✓ (1)
2.2.3 Function of xylem tissues
• They are responsible for the transportation of water from the roots
to the leaves ✓ (1)
2.2.4 Differentiate between transpiration pull and osmotic flow in
plants
• Transpiration pull is the upward pulling force exerted on the water
column in plants when water is lost during transpiration ✓
• Osmotic flow is the movement of water through cells due to
osmosis caused by osmotic gradient ✓ (2)
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4 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2024)
2.2.5 Explanation of root pressure influence to upward movement of
water
• As water moves into the roots, a pressure develops that pushes
the water up into ✓ the xylem vessels of the stem ✓ (2)
2.2.6 TWO adaptations of plants to reduce water loss through
transpiration
• Plants have thick cuticles ✓
• Plants have small sunken stomata ✓
• Some plants have hairy leaves (trichomes) ✓ (Any 2 x 1) (2)
2.3 Primary and secondary macro-minerals
2.3.1 Phosphorus (P) ✓ (1)
2.3.2 Potassium (K) ✓ (1)
2.3.3 Nitrogen (N) ✓ (1)
2.3.4 Magnesium (Mg) ✓ (1)
2.4 2.4.1 Equipment used to collect soil samples
• Augers ✓ (1)
2.4.2 TWO facts of importance of soil analysis
• Soil analysis report assist farmers to know the type of crop to plant
of different soils ✓
• Soil tests are used to determine the nutrient status of the soil and
provide bases for lime and fertiliser application ✓ (2)
2.4.3 Why farmers are encouraged to take their crops for leaf analysis
• Leaf analysis give the most precise information about plant
nutrients absorbed ✓ and indicate deficiencies before they affect
plant heath and yield ✓ (2)
2.5 2.5.1 Class of the fertiliser
Inorganic fertilizer ✓ (1)
2.5.2 Calculation of the percentage of phosphorus
% P = 2/10 X 45 ✓
=9✓%✓ (3)
2.5.3 Explanation of how fertilisers cause eutrophication
• Run-off and leaching of soil water with fertiliser cause
accumulation of fertilisers in water sources causing algal bloom, ✓
this reduces oxygen levels in water causing death of aquatic
animals ✓ (2)
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2024) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 5
QUESTION 3: PLANT REPRODUCTION AND PROTECTION
3.1 3.1.1 Identification of the type of pollination
• Cross pollination ✓ (1)
3.1.2 Justification to QUESTION 3.1.1
• It involves transfer of ripe pollen grains from the anthers of one
flower to the receptive stigma of another flower of the same plant
species ✓
• Pollen grains are being carried by the insect from anthers of one
flower to the stigma of another flower of the same species ✓ (2)
3.1.3 TWO adaptations of the flowers in the diagram above for cross
pollination
• Large, sticky and many pollen grains ✓
• Colourful petals to attract insects ✓ (2)
3.1.4 Functions of the following parts of the flower:
(a) Ovary – contains locules in which ovules with egg cells are
produced ✓ (1)
(b) Stigma – Outer tip of the pistil which serves as a platform for
pollen to fall on during pollination ✓ (1)
3.1.5 Explanation of how double fertilisation occurs in plants
• Two male gametes are released into the embryonic sac and one
fuses with the ovum to form a zygote ✓ and the other fuses with the
diploid endosperm cell and form a triploid (3n) endosperm cell. ✓ (2)
3.1.6 Differentiate between vegetative parthenocarpy and stimulative
parthenocarpy
• Vegetative parthenocarpy is the production of fruits in plants
without pollination and fertilisation of ovules to produce a
parthenocarpy fruit, as in seedless cucumbers ✓
• Stimulative parthenocarpy requires pollination to stimulate the
production of parthenocarpy fruit like in seedless watermelon ✓ (2)
3.2 3.2.1 Classification of the tomato fruit as succulent or dry fruit
• Succulent fruit ✓ (1)
3.2.2 Justification of the answer to QUESTION 3.2.1 above
• The tomato’s fruit wall or pericarp is fleshy and juicy and edible ✓ (1)
3.2.3 The part of the flower which will develop into the following:
(a) Fruit-Ovary ✓ (1)
(b) Seeds-Ovules ✓ (1)
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6 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2024)
3.2.4 Explanation of the following concepts
(a) Seed coat-enhanced dormancy – this is when ripe seeds fail
to geminate because of hard coat ✓ which is impermeable and
inhibits the passage of water and oxygen needed for
germination ✓ (2)
(b) Asexual reproduction process – this is the growing of plants
from other parts of the plant, ✓ other than seed ✓ (2)
3.3 3.3.1 A bar graph comparing the percentage of different crops grown
as GM crops in South Africa
100
90
Percentage of crops grown (%)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
White maize Yellow maize Soybean Cotton
Type of crops
Marking guide for the bar graph
• Correct caption ✓
• Variable on y-axis correctly labelled and calibrated (Percentage
of crop grown) ✓
• Variable on x-axis correctly labelled and calibrated (Type of
crops) ✓
• Units indicated on y-axis (%) ✓
• Bar graph ✓
• Accuracy (80% + correctly plotted) ✓ (6)
3.3.2 State THREE advantages of genetically modified organisms
• High ability to resist diseases and pests ✓
• Less damage to the environment due to less application of
pesticides ✓
• High nutritional value and commercial properties ✓
• High yield and production ✓ (Any 3 x 1) (3)
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2024) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 7
3.4 Biological control of weeds
3.4.1 TWO examples of biological weed control methods a farmer can
use
• Natural enemies ✓
• Crop rotation ✓ (2)
3.4.2 TWO advantages of biological control of weeds
• Reduces environmental risks/ ecologically friendly ✓
• Cheaper way to control weeds ✓ (2)
3.4.3 THREE benefits of Integrated Pest Management strategy
• Promotes healthy plants ✓
• Reduces environmental risks by promoting ecologically friendly
and bio-based ways ✓
• Maintains and increases the cost-effectiveness of pest
management programmes ✓
• Decreases the exposure of workers and public to pesticides ✓
(Any 3 x 1) (3)
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8 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2024)
QUESTION 4: OPTIMAL RESOURCE UTILISATION
4.1 4.1.1 Aim of soil survey from the scenario.
• To determine the suitability of soil for agricultural purposes ✓ (1)
4.1.2 THREE factors to consider when a soil survey is done
• Physical, chemical and biological factors (soil factors) ✓
• Topography ✓
• Climate ✓ (3)
4.1.3 Explanation of the usefulness of data captured on the soil map
to the farmer
• It helps the farmers to decide how to utilise the soil as it shows
boundary lines that divide the different soil types ✓
• The data can be used by the farmer to make informed decisions
on what type of plant or animal would be best suitable on that soil
type ✓ (2)
4.1.4 THREE steps to follow in the physical analysis of soil
• Digging soil pits ✓
• Determining soil profile ✓
• Determining physical and chemical properties ✓ (3)
4.2 4.2.1 Identification of the farming approach
• Precision farming ✓ (1)
4.2.2 TWO main aims of adopting the modern farming method outlined
in QUESTION 4.2.1 above
• Enables the farmer to have a more precise control over the natural
variation in the soil on the farm ✓
• Aim to minimise input risks and maximise yield and return on
investment ✓ (2)
4.2.3 Benefits of smart soil fertilisation to the farmer
• Assist the farmer to apply the necessary fertiliser for each small
unit’s yield potential, ✓ making sure that over and under fertilisation
do not occur and reduce wastage ✓ (2)
4.3 4.3.1 Type of flood system in picture A
• Furrow irrigation system ✓ (1)
4.3.2 TWO advantages of flood irrigation
• Cheap method where water is abundant ✓
• Allows salts to be flushed out of soil ✓
• Weed control method for rice ✓
• Not much labour is needed ✓ (Any 2 x 1) (2)
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2024) AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 9
4.3.3 Explanation of negative effects of improper irrigation scheduling
• The farmer will not know the quantities of water to be applied to the
soil at fixed times ✓ and this increases costs of energy to drive the
system and can cause leaching of nutrients ✓ (2)
4.3.4 Identify the source of water for irrigation in picture B
• Groundwater ✓ (1)
4.3.5 TWO criteria used to determine water quality used for irrigation
• Total dissolved salts ✓
• Sodium-adsorption ratio ✓
• Toxic ions ✓
• Organic and inorganic content ✓ (Any 2 x 1) (2)
4.4 4.4.1 Identification of the type of soil cultivation
(a) Conservation tillage ✓ (1)
(b) Conventional tillage ✓ (1)
4.4.2 TWO disadvantages of conventional tillage
• Natural vegetation is disturbed ✓
• Soil erosion increases ✓
• Organic fraction content of the soil decreases ✓ (Any 2 x 1) (2)
4.4.3 TWO advantages of crop rotation
• Enables proper utilisation of soil nutrients ✓
• Legumes increases the nitrogen content in the soil ✓
• Way to control disease and pest outbreak ✓
• Economic way to maintain soil fertility ✓
• Reduces soil erosion ✓
• Helps to control weeds ✓ (Any 2 x 1) (2)
4.5 4.5.1 Identification of the farming system
• Hydroponics ✓ (1)
4.5.2 THREE advantages of the system mentioned in QUESTION 4.5.1
over the open field system
• Hydroponics have a high-density maximum crop yield ✓
• Crop production is possible where no suitable soil exists ✓
• Plants are irrigated automatically in hydroponics ✓
• Soil-borne diseases are eliminated ✓ (3)
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10 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2024)
4.5.3 ONE disadvantage of drain-to-waste system illustrated in the
picture above
• Build-up of salt can occur ✓
• Growth mediums must be replaced often ✓
• Fermentation of growth mediums can lead to negative nitrogen
periods ✓
• Use more water and fertiliser ✓
• More impact to the environment (Any 1 x 1) (1)
4.5.4 Explain what is aquaculture
• The farming of marine ✓ and freshwater aquatic organisms ✓ (2)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION B: 105
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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