Explore key aspects of fertilizer practices for Bengal gram with these easy, fact-based questions about nutrient management in agriculture. Sharpen your knowledge on essential nutrition, application guidelines, and common misconceptions.
Bengal gram, like other pulses, generally requires minimal nitrogen fertilizer because it can fix its own nitrogen through which process?
Explanation: Bengal gram fixes atmospheric nitrogen via root nodules in symbiosis with rhizobia, a process called biological nitrogen fixation. Soil leaching involves nutrient loss, mineralization refers to decomposition of organic matter, and denitrification involves the loss of nitrogen to the atmosphere, not fixation.
What is the most critical role of phosphorus fertilizer in Bengal gram cultivation?
Explanation: Phosphorus is essential for root development and energy transfer in Bengal gram. While it may have minor effects on other plant processes, increasing chlorophyll, pest resistance, or reducing dormancy are not its main functions.
Which fertilizer application method is usually most effective for providing phosphorus to Bengal gram at sowing?
Explanation: Band application below the seed ensures phosphorus is available close to roots, enhancing uptake. Broadcasting can lead to fixation and inefficiency, foliar spraying of phosphorus is less effective, and top dressing at flowering misses early growth stages when phosphorus is most needed.
If yellowing between the veins of Bengal gram leaves appears, which micronutrient deficiency is most likely?
Explanation: Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between veins) is a classic symptom of iron deficiency in pulses. Magnesium and manganese may cause similar symptoms but are less common in Bengal gram; boron deficiency typically affects growing points, not interveinal tissue.
Why is a small dose of starter nitrogen sometimes recommended during sowing of Bengal gram, even though the crop can fix nitrogen?
Explanation: Starter nitrogen helps young Bengal gram plants grow before their root nodules can efficiently fix atmospheric nitrogen. It does not replace phosphorus, cause soil acidification, or delay flowering, making these distractors less suitable.