Sharpen your understanding of essential nutrient management in arecanut cultivation with these medium-difficulty questions based on horticultural best practices.
Which macronutrient primarily contributes to vegetative growth and leaf development in arecanut palms?
Explanation: Nitrogen promotes vegetative growth, resulting in healthy and lush arecanut foliage. Potassium is more crucial for nut development and disease resistance, calcium mainly supports cell wall structure, and magnesium is vital for chlorophyll but not the primary growth driver.
A farmer notices yellowing on the margins of older arecanut leaves and reduced kernel quality; which nutrient deficiency is most likely responsible?
Explanation: Potassium deficiency in arecanut usually appears as marginal leaf yellowing and poor kernel development. Phosphorus deficiency shows as stunted growth or dark green leaves, sulphur deficiency leads to overall yellowing, and zinc shortage primarily causes leaf size reduction and mottling.
Which micronutrient is most closely associated with correcting leaf chlorosis (yellowing) in arecanut, especially in sandy soils?
Explanation: Iron plays a key role in preventing leaf chlorosis, especially in sandy soils where availability can be low. Boron deficiency affects nut setting, copper shortage leads to twisted leaves, and manganese deficiency shows as interveinal yellowing but is less common in arecanut.
For a mature arecanut palm, which nutrient is typically applied at the highest recommended quantity per year according to standard fertilizer schedules?
Explanation: Potassium is generally applied at higher annual rates than magnesium, zinc, or sulphur to mature arecanut, due to its significant role in nut quality and yield. The other nutrients, while important, are required in much smaller quantities.
How does the addition of organic matter, such as farmyard manure, impact nutrient availability in arecanut gardens?
Explanation: Organic matter improves soil structure and helps retain nutrients, fostering better root development in arecanut. It does not decrease fertility or inhibit absorption; rather, it aids in steady nutrient supply, whereas rapid nutrient loss is minimized, not increased.