2023 CCEA GCSE Agriculture and Land Use 0310 Practice Paper with Answers

W is the stamen (the male part of the flower), made up of the anther (which produces pollen) on a filament. X is the stigma, the sticky surface at the top of the female part (carpel) that receives pollen. Y is the style, the tube that connects the stigma to the ovary and down which the pollen tube grows. Z is the ovary, the swollen base of the carpel that contains the ovules and develops into the fruit once fertilisation has occurred. Final answer: W = stamen (produces pollen); X = stigma (receives pollen); Y = style (supports pollen tube growth to the ovary); Z = ovary (contains ovules, becomes the fruit).

[1] mark for each correctly named part with a correct matching function stated (W, X, Y, Z), max [4]. Part named correctly but function missing/incorrect scores no mark for that letter; accept any scientifically valid function even if not the one given above.

1. Clay soil has very small particles, drains slowly, is prone to waterlogging, holds nutrients well but is slow to warm up → C. 2. Sandy soil has large particles, drains quickly, warms up fast but holds few nutrients and dries out easily → A. 3. Peat soil is very high in organic matter, dark, holds a lot of water, often acidic → D. 4. Loam soil is a balanced mix of sand, silt and clay, drains well while holding good nutrients and water — the best all-round soil → B.

[1] mark for each correct letter (1–4), max [4]: 1–C, 2–A, 3–D, 4–B.

(1) 'turbines convert the movement of air into electricity' describes wind turbines → wind. (2) 'panels convert sunlight directly into electricity' describes solar panels → solar. (3) 'fast-growing energy crops such as willow can be burned' describes biomass energy → biomass. (4) 'generate electricity from flowing water' describes hydro power → hydro.

[1] mark for each correct word from the box (1)–(4), max [4]. Only the exact word from the box scores; coal, nuclear and gas are non-renewable distractors and score zero.

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use light energy, captured by chlorophyll, to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, releasing oxygen as a by-product. Word equation: carbon dioxide + water → (light energy) → glucose + oxygen. Final answer: carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen (using light energy).

[1] correct reactants (carbon dioxide and water) on the left-hand side; [1] correct products (glucose and oxygen) on the right-hand side, with an arrow showing the direction of the reaction. Reference to light energy/chlorophyll is expected but not separately credited if reactants and products are both correct. Max [2].

Seeds need water to soften the seed coat and activate enzymes within the seed, oxygen for respiration to release the energy needed for growth, and a suitable temperature for the enzymes controlling germination to work effectively. Any two of these three conditions are creditable. Final answer: any two of water, oxygen, suitable temperature.

[1] mark for each of any two valid conditions (water; oxygen; suitable/warm temperature), max [2]. 'Sunlight' or 'soil' are not required for germination itself and should not be credited.

Farmers commonly control weeds in cereal crops by spraying a selective herbicide, which kills broad-leaved weeds such as chickweed or docks without harming the cereal crop. Alternatively, mechanical methods such as harrowing (dragging equipment through the crop to disturb weed seedlings) or hand weeding/hoeing can be used, particularly in organic systems. Crop rotation is also an effective longer-term method, as it disrupts the life cycle of weeds associated with a particular crop. Final answer: any two of herbicide spraying, mechanical weeding (e.g. harrowing/hoeing), crop rotation.

[1] mark for each of any two valid, distinct weed control methods, max [2]. Accept named specific methods (herbicide, harrowing, hand weeding, crop rotation, mulching).

Crop rotation is the practice of growing a planned sequence of different crops on the same piece of land over a number of years or seasons, rather than growing the same crop continuously. Farmers practise it because it helps prevent the build-up of pests, diseases and weeds that are associated with a particular crop, and it also helps to maintain and balance soil nutrient levels, since different crops draw on and, in some cases (such as clover), replenish different nutrients. Final answer: crop rotation is growing different crops in sequence on the same land over successive years; it reduces pest/disease/weed build-up and helps maintain soil fertility.

[1] correct definition referencing a planned sequence of different crops over time on the same land; [1] one valid, correctly explained reason (pest/disease/weed control, or soil fertility maintenance).

Soil is made up of four main components: rock (mineral) particles, water, air, and organic matter (decomposed plant and animal material, also called humus). Any two of these four are creditable. Final answer: any two of rock particles, water, air, organic matter.

[1] mark for each of any two of the four correct components (rock/mineral particles, water, air, organic matter), max [2].

NPK stands for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), the three essential elements needed for healthy plant growth. The labelling on a fertiliser bag shows the relative proportions of these three nutrients (for example, as a ratio such as 20:10:10), which allows a farmer to select and apply the fertiliser that best matches the specific nutrient needs of their soil and crop, avoiding under- or over-application. Final answer: N = nitrogen, P = phosphorus, K = potassium; this tells the farmer the relative proportions of each nutrient so they can apply fertiliser appropriately for their crop's needs.

[1] all three elements correctly named (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium); [1] valid explanation of why this is useful (matching fertiliser to crop/soil nutrient needs, avoiding under/over-application).

Farmers can improve biodiversity in several ways, including: restoring and establishing hedges (which provide habitats and corridors for wildlife); preventing soil erosion; minimising soil compaction; creating and managing habitats such as ponds or wildflower margins; reducing their reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilisers; and taking active steps to protect particular plant or animal species found on their land. Any two of these are creditable. Final answer: any two of hedge restoration, preventing soil erosion, minimising compaction, creating/managing habitats, reducing chemical use, protecting species.

[1] mark for each of any two valid, distinct methods, max [2].

Farmers can reduce their carbon footprint by increasing woodland planting on their land (trees absorb carbon dioxide), through the careful management of specific habitats (which can act as carbon stores, such as peatland or bog), and through energy conservation measures on the farm (for example, more efficient machinery or buildings, or switching to renewable energy sources). Any two are creditable. Final answer: any two of increased woodland planting, careful habitat management, energy conservation/renewable energy use.

[1] mark for each of any two valid, distinct methods, max [2].

The five basic freedoms of farm animals are: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury or disease; freedom to express normal behaviour; and freedom from fear and distress. Any two of these five are creditable. Final answer: any two of the five basic freedoms listed above.

[1] mark for each of any two of the five correctly stated freedoms, max [2]. Must reflect the official wording closely enough to convey the correct meaning.

(a) A cow's gestation period is approximately 9 months, or about 283 days. (b) A sheep's (ewe's) gestation period is approximately 5 months, or about 147 days. Final answer: cow ≈ 9 months (≈283 days); sheep ≈ 5 months (≈147 days).

[1] correct cow gestation period (accept any answer within approximately 275–290 days or stated as 'about 9 months'); [1] correct sheep gestation period (accept any answer within approximately 142–152 days or stated as 'about 5 months'). Max [2].

Farm animals' dietary requirements are met through a combination of food sources: forage (grazed or conserved grass/other green crops), fibre/roughage (bulky, high-fibre material such as hay or straw), concentrates (energy- and protein-dense feeds such as cereals or compound feed), and minerals (added to correct specific mineral deficiencies). Any two of these four are creditable. Final answer: any two of forage, fibre/roughage, concentrates, minerals.

[1] mark for each of any two of the four correct food source categories, max [2].

Farms present a range of hazards, including: operating farm machinery (risk of entanglement or crushing injuries); the storage, mixing and application of slurry (which can release toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, and presents a drowning risk in slurry pits/lagoons); the storage and handling of agrichemicals such as pesticides; handling livestock, which can be unpredictable and cause injury; and working at height, for example on ladders or in grain stores. Any two are creditable. Final answer: any two of machinery operation, slurry storage/handling, agrichemical handling, livestock handling, working at height.

[1] mark for each of any two valid, distinct farm hazards, max [2].

(a) The overall trend is upward: yield rose from 6.2 t/ha in 2018 to 7.4 t/ha in 2022. This was not a perfectly steady increase, however — yield dipped to 5.8 t/ha in 2020 (likely due to a factor such as poor weather, pests or disease that year) before recovering and increasing further in 2021 and 2022.

(b) Percentage increase = (change in value ÷ original value) × 100.
Change = 7.4 − 6.2 = 1.2 t/ha.
Percentage increase = (1.2 ÷ 6.2) × 100 = 19.35...\% ≈ 19.4\% (1 d.p.). Final answer: (a) an overall upward trend from 6.2 to 7.4 t/ha, with a dip in 2020; (b) percentage increase ≈ 19.4\%.

(a) [1] correct overall trend identified (increase) with correct start/end values quoted; [1] correct reference to the 2020 dip/anomaly in the trend. (b) [1] correct method shown (change ÷ original × 100) with correct change value (1.2); [1] correct final answer 19.4\% (accept 19.3–19.4\%, or unrounded 19.35...\%), full marks require working to be shown as instructed.

(a) Electricity generated increases steadily from 320 kWh in March to a peak of 560 kWh in July, then falls slightly to 500 kWh in August. This pattern reflects the changing amount of daylight and sunlight intensity through the year: days lengthen and the sun is stronger as the UK moves towards the summer solstice (late June), giving more solar energy for the panels to capture, before days begin to shorten again slightly by August.

(b) Percentage increase = (change in value ÷ original value) × 100.
Change = 560 − 320 = 240 kWh.
Percentage increase = (240 ÷ 320) × 100 = 75\%. Final answer: (a) generation rises to a July peak then falls slightly, following the pattern of daylight/sunlight through the year; (b) percentage increase = 75\%.

(a) [1] correct description of the pattern (rise to a July peak, then fall) with values quoted; [1] valid explanation linking the pattern to daylight hours/sunlight intensity through the seasons. (b) [1] correct method shown (change ÷ original × 100) with correct change value (240); [1] correct final answer 75\%, working shown as instructed.

Place an equal number of the same type of seed (e.g. cress seeds) onto moist filter paper in several separate petri dishes. Place each dish at a different, controlled temperature (for example 5°C, 15°C, 25°C and 35°C), using water baths or incubators to hold each dish at a constant temperature. All other variables that could affect germination — the amount of water added, the amount of light, and the type/batch of seed used — must be kept the same across all dishes, so that temperature is the only variable being tested. After a fixed period of time (for example 7 days), count and record the number of seeds that have germinated in each dish. To improve the reliability of the results, use several seeds (e.g. 10 or more) per dish, and repeat the whole investigation (e.g. three times) at each temperature, then calculate an average number of seeds germinated for each temperature before comparing results. Final answer: as described above — controlled temperatures, controlled water/light/seed type, count germinated seeds after a fixed time, repeat and average for reliability.

[1] correct apparatus/set-up described (e.g. seeds on moist paper in dishes, at different temperatures using a water bath/incubator); [1] correctly identifies a variable that must be controlled (e.g. amount of water, light, seed type/number); [1] correctly identifies what is measured (number/proportion of seeds germinated after a fixed time); [1] valid method for improving reliability (repeats and/or averaging, or using a larger sample of seeds). Max [4].

(a) Farm diversification means developing new sources of income on the farm, alongside its normal agricultural production, often by making use of existing farm resources (buildings, produce, location) in new ways.

(b) Two benefits: it provides the farmer with an additional and potentially more stable source of income, reducing reliance on farm-gate prices for milk alone, which can be volatile; and it adds value to the farm's own raw milk by processing it into higher-value products (ice cream, cheese) and by attracting visitors directly to the farm through tourism, rather than only selling a bulk commodity.

(c) One challenge: setting up a farm shop and welcoming visiting groups requires significant extra investment (in shop premises, food processing equipment and hygiene facilities) and the farmer will need to meet additional food hygiene and safety regulations and potentially safeguarding requirements for hosting school groups, which takes time, money and new skills that may not be part of the farmer's existing expertise. Final answer: (a) developing new income sources alongside normal farm production; (b) extra/more stable income and adds value to produce; (c) extra investment cost and additional regulatory/hygiene/safeguarding requirements.

(a) [1] correct definition referencing new/additional income sources alongside normal farm production. (b) [1] mark for each of any two valid, distinct benefits, max [2]. (c) [1] one valid challenge identified; [1] further development/explanation of that challenge. Max [5].

(a) The general health of an animal such as a calf can be assessed using several characteristics: its level of interest in food, its level of alertness, the condition of its skin and coat, the colour of its urine, and the colour of its mucous membranes (e.g. gums). Any two are creditable.

(b) A sign that might indicate the calf is unwell could be a reduced interest in feeding, dull or lethargic behaviour (reduced alertness), a dull or rough coat, discoloured (e.g. cloudy or dark) urine, or pale mucous membranes — any one clearly linked to one of the characteristics named in part (a) is acceptable. Final answer: (a) any two of interest in food, alertness, skin/coat condition, urine colour, mucous membrane colour; (b) any one valid abnormal sign, e.g. reduced appetite or dull/lethargic behaviour.

(a) [1] mark for each of any two of the five correct health-assessment characteristics, max [2]. (b) [2] a clearly described abnormal sign that plausibly indicates poor health, linked to a valid characteristic (1 mark for the sign, 1 mark for it being clearly linked to ill health/described in sufficient detail). Max [4].

Indicative content for a Band 3 (7-9 mark) response:

Advantages: generating renewable energy on the farm can significantly reduce the farm's electricity bills over time, since the farmer relies less on electricity bought from the National Grid; surplus electricity generated (for example on a sunny or windy day when the farm is not using it all) can often be sold back to the grid, creating an additional income stream; renewable sources such as wind and solar do not run out and do not release greenhouse gases while generating electricity, helping the farm reduce its carbon footprint and meet increasing consumer and retailer demand for more sustainable food production; and using farm-generated renewable energy can improve the farm's energy security, making it less vulnerable to rising or fluctuating energy prices.

Disadvantages/limitations: the initial cost of purchasing and installing a wind turbine or solar panels is very high, and it can take many years for the investment to pay for itself through savings and income from selling surplus electricity; renewable energy generation is weather-dependent and therefore inconsistent — solar panels generate little electricity on cloudy days or during winter months when daylight hours are short, and a wind turbine generates no electricity in very calm conditions — so the farm usually still needs a grid connection or backup power source; a wind turbine may also require planning permission and can face objections on the grounds of noise or visual/landscape impact.

Environmental impact: compared with non-renewable sources such as coal, oil or gas, renewable sources like wind and solar produce electricity without releasing carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases during operation, helping to reduce the farm's contribution to climate change and air pollution; renewable sources also do not rely on the extraction of finite fossil fuel reserves, which is itself environmentally damaging. However, it should be noted that manufacturing solar panels and turbines does still have some environmental footprint (energy and materials used in production), and wind turbines can have a localised impact on landscape character and, in some locations, on bird populations. Overall, a balanced conclusion should recognise that renewable energy offers clear long-term environmental benefits over fossil fuels despite significant upfront cost and reliability limitations. Final answer: a thorough response covers cost savings/income and environmental advantages, weighed against high upfront cost, weather-dependent reliability, and planning/visual concerns, concluding renewable energy is environmentally preferable to non-renewable sources despite its practical limitations.

3-Band Level-of-Response Grid (9 marks): Band 3 (7-9 marks) — comprehensive coverage across all three bulleted themes (at least 3 advantages, 2 disadvantages, and a clear discussion of environmental impact comparing renewable and non-renewable sources), high quality of written communication, clear organisation, and accurate use of specialist vocabulary (e.g. carbon footprint, National Grid, biomass, finite resources). Band 2 (4-6 marks) — satisfactory coverage of at least two of the three themes, reasonable clarity and basic specialist vocabulary. Band 1 (1-3 marks) — general or unbalanced statements covering at most one theme in any depth, basic communication and minimal specialist terminology. Band 0 (0 marks) — no creditable response. Award marks holistically against the best-fit band.

Indicative content for a Band 3 (7-9 mark) response:

Soil quality: farmers maintain and improve soil quality by applying fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) to replace nutrients removed by growing crops, and by testing soil pH and applying lime where soil is too acidic for the crop being grown; practising crop rotation (for example including a nitrogen-fixing crop such as clover in the rotation) helps naturally replenish soil nutrients and prevents the depletion associated with growing the same crop continuously; minimising unnecessary cultivation and avoiding working heavy machinery on wet soil helps to reduce soil compaction, which would otherwise reduce drainage and root growth.

Pest, disease and weed control: farmers protect crops from weeds using herbicides or mechanical methods such as harrowing; they protect against pests and diseases using pesticides/fungicides, and by choosing disease-resistant crop varieties from schemes such as the Northern Ireland Recommended Varieties List; crop rotation is again useful here, as it breaks the life cycle of pests and diseases that build up when the same crop is grown repeatedly on the same land.

Environmental effects: these methods can have both positive and negative environmental effects. Positively, crop rotation, using resistant varieties, and careful, targeted use of fertiliser and pesticide reduce the overall amount of chemicals needed, and prevent soil erosion and compaction, helping protect soil health and biodiversity for the long term. Negatively, excessive or poorly timed application of fertiliser can run off into nearby watercourses, causing eutrophication (as seen at Lough Neagh), where excess nutrients cause algal blooms that reduce oxygen levels in the water as they decompose, potentially killing fish and other aquatic life; overuse of pesticides can also harm non-target species such as bees and other beneficial insects, and can persist in the soil or water. A balanced conclusion should recognise that careful, well-managed use of these methods (applying only what is needed, at the right time, informed by soil testing) can maintain productivity while minimising environmental harm, whereas excessive or careless use of the same methods can cause serious environmental damage. Final answer: a thorough response covers NPK fertiliser/liming/crop rotation for soil quality, herbicides/pesticides/resistant varieties/rotation for crop protection, and weighs the environmental benefits of careful use against the risks (eutrophication, harm to pollinators) of excessive or careless use.

3-Band Level-of-Response Grid (9 marks): Band 3 (7-9 marks) — comprehensive coverage across all three bulleted themes (at least 3 soil quality methods, 2 crop protection methods, and a clear, balanced discussion of both positive and negative environmental effects), high quality of written communication, clear organisation, and accurate use of specialist vocabulary (e.g. NPK, eutrophication, crop rotation, compaction). Band 2 (4-6 marks) — satisfactory coverage of at least two of the three themes, reasonable clarity and basic specialist vocabulary. Band 1 (1-3 marks) — general or unbalanced statements covering at most one theme in any depth, basic communication and minimal specialist terminology. Band 0 (0 marks) — no creditable response. Award marks holistically against the best-fit band.