O-LevelGeographyEconomic development2217/22 · Oct/Nov 2022 · Q58 Marks

Fig. 5.1 shows information about fertiliser use and cereal crop production in part of China. [Figure 5.1]

(a)Fig. 5.1 shows information about fertiliser use and cereal crop production in part of China.
(a)(i)What was the amount of cereal crop production in 2014? million metric tons[1]
(a)(ii)Describe the relationship between fertiliser use and cereal crop production shown in Fig. 5.1.[3]
(b)Fig. 5.2 describes an agricultural project which has been introduced in part of China. Millions of Chinese farmers have taken part in an agricultural project. The project has involved a large investment in research and training. The aim has been to continue to produce enough food for China's rising population. Workshops and training gave advice on which crops to plant, when to plant and how much fertiliser to use. The project has reduced the application of fertiliser by 1.2 million tons, reducing the amount of fertiliser runoff which causes water pollution. This reduction in fertiliser used has saved 12.2 billion US dollars. [Figure 5.2]
(b)(i)Use evidence from Fig. 5.2 to show that this is a good example of sustainable agriculture.[3]
(b)(ii)Suggest one reason why it might be difficult for some LEDCs to undertake this type of project.[1]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] 550 (million metric tons)
[3] (Overall/2004 – 2016) both increased/the more fertiliser used, the greater the cereal production/positive correlation; Credit the three sections of the graph without years if the sequence is clear, as follows: Initial increase in both/2004 – 2008 both increased (at the same rate)/directly proportional; Fertiliser rate continues to increase/increases 2008/2009 - 2014 whilst cereal production fluctuates/increases at a slower rate; 2014-2016 fertiliser decreases whilst cereal production increases/steep decrease vs. steep rise/negative relationship/inversely proportional; Positive relationship/both increased until 2014; 2008/2009 fertiliser overtook cereal production/2014/2015 crop production overtook fertiliser; Max 1 data mark for the following: 2004 - 2008 fertiliser 410–420 to 480 kg and cereal production 420 to 490m metric tonnes; OR 2008 - 2014 fertiliser 480 to 560–570 kg and cereal production 490 to 550m metric tonnes; OR 2014-2016 fertiliser 560–570 to 500–510 kg and cereal production 550 to 610-620m metric tonnes. Units used once for each of fertiliser usage and cereal production verifies rest of data mark. 4 correct figures must be used. Figures within given range acceptable. Allow reference to cereal/crop/cereal crop.
[3] Provides enough food (for China's increasing population)/increased yields; Reduces the amount of fertiliser used/teaches farmers not to overuse fertilisers/can pass on knowledge about fertiliser use; Reduces environmental impact of fertiliser application/runoff/water pollution; Reduces the cost of food production/saves on cost of fertilisers/saved 12.2 billion US dollars/saved money.
[1] High cost (of research and training)/poorer countries/farmers don't have sufficient funds/cost of fertilisers/don't have resources/money; Some rural communities far from training centres/not enough workshops/equipment/access to fertilisers/lack access to training; Low literacy levels make it difficult for ideas to be understood.