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Topic 5 of 7 · Form 3

Farm mechanisation and structures

Clean tools after use, oil moving parts and metal surfaces to prevent rust, sharpen blades, store under cover, and replace worn parts.

Notes for this topic 1 file, in order

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  1. PDFFarm mechanisation and structures – Agriculture notes (ZIMSEC O Level)45.2 KB

Farm tools and implements

  • Hand tools: hoes, picks, shovels, slashers, wheelbarrows.
  • Animal-drawn: ox-drawn plough, harrow, cultivator, scotch cart.
  • Tractor-drawn: disc plough, disc harrow, planter, boom sprayer.

Maintenance

Clean tools after use, oil moving parts and metal surfaces to prevent rust, sharpen blades, store under cover, and replace worn parts.

The tractor

Uses: ploughing, planting, spraying, transport, powering machines through the power take-off (PTO). Daily checks: fuel, oil, water, tyre pressure, battery.

Farm structures

  • Fences: barbed wire, electric fences; keep animals in and predators out.
  • Animal housing: kraals, poultry houses, pig sties – well drained and ventilated.
  • Storage: granaries and sheds for crops, chemicals stored separately and locked.
  • Water: dams, boreholes, tanks and troughs.
Exam tip: Questions often ask why a structure is sited where it is – mention drainage, access, water supply and wind direction.

Check yourself

  1. Give three ways of maintaining hand tools.
  2. State two uses of a tractor's power take-off.
  3. Why must agrochemicals be stored in a locked store?
Show answers
  1. Any three: clean, oil, sharpen, store under cover, repair handles.
  2. Any two: driving pumps, threshers, hammer mills, sprayers, generators.
  3. To keep children and animals away and prevent poisoning or theft.
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