Enhance your understanding of nutrient management in arecanut cultivation with this focused quiz. Explore key aspects related to essential nutrients, deficiencies, and fertilizer recommendations in arecanut horticulture.
Which of the following nutrients is considered most critical for vigorous vegetative growth in arecanut plantations?
Explanation: Nitrogen is vital for vegetative growth in arecanut, supporting leaf and stem development, which helps establish a strong plant. Calcium aids cell wall formation but is required in smaller amounts and does not stimulate lush growth as directly as nitrogen. Magnesium is essential for chlorophyll but not the main driver of vegetative growth. Iron is important for chlorophyll synthesis but is needed in trace amounts.
A farmer notices yellowing and drying of leaf tips and margins in arecanut palms. Which nutrient deficiency is the most likely cause?
Explanation: Potassium deficiency often leads to yellowing and scorch at the leaf tips and edges in arecanut palms. Phosphorus deficiency typically causes stunted growth and dark green foliage. Zinc deficiency results in small, deformed leaves. Sulphur deficiency is rare and presents as uniform yellowing, not just at margins.
In arecanut cultivation, during which season is the first major dose of fertilizers usually recommended for best nutrient uptake?
Explanation: Applying fertilizers at the beginning of monsoon ensures better dissolution and uptake by arecanut roots due to increased soil moisture. Peak summer can lead to losses through volatilization or leaching. Late winter does not coincide with optimal plant uptake or rainfall. Fertilizing at the end of harvesting misses early season growth needs.
What is the commonly recommended annual rate of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) per mature arecanut palm?
Explanation: The standard recommendation is 10–15 kg FYM per palm each year to improve soil health and nutrient availability. 2–3 kg is insufficient for mature palms. 25–30 kg and 45–50 kg are excessive and not practical for most orchard systems.
If arecanut palms exhibit leaf chlorosis (yellowing) primarily in young leaves, which micronutrient is most often deficient and should be supplemented?
Explanation: Iron deficiency usually causes chlorosis first in young leaves because iron is immobile in the plant. Copper deficiency shows as dieback or distorted leaves. Molybdenum deficiency is rare and affects nitrogen metabolism. Chloride deficiency in arecanut is uncommon and symptoms do not match the described chlorosis.