Deepen your understanding of berseem crop management with these medium-difficulty questions on soil, sowing, irrigation, and more. Perfect for students and professionals looking to enhance their agricultural knowledge.
Which is generally considered the optimal month for sowing berseem in northern India to ensure good establishment and growth?
Explanation: October is preferred for sowing berseem in northern India as it provides favorable temperatures and moisture for germination. June is too early and often too hot; January is late and risks poor establishment due to low temperatures; April is too hot and late in the season.
Berseem performs best when grown on which type of soil?
Explanation: Loamy soils with good drainage offer berseem the necessary nutrients and moisture levels, supporting healthy growth. Acidic sandy soils lack nutrients and water retention; rocky soils hinder root development; saline soils can be toxic to berseem.
Why is it recommended to treat berseem seeds with Rhizobium inoculant before sowing?
Explanation: Rhizobium inoculation aids berseem in fixing atmospheric nitrogen, crucial for plant growth. It does not increase seed size, provide direct resistance to pests, or accelerate leaf drop—those are incorrect or unrelated to seed inoculation.
During which growth stage is the first irrigation most critical for berseem after sowing?
Explanation: The first irrigation at seedling emergence ensures proper germination and stand establishment. Providing water during flowering or pod setting is less effective at this early stage; irrigating just before harvesting is not essential for establishment.
For optimal yield, how should berseem be managed regarding cuttings during the growing season?
Explanation: Harvesting berseem multiple times at intervals of 25–30 days maximizes total fodder yield and helps maintain regrowth. Cutting only once or not until flowering reduces total output, while daily cutting would not allow adequate regrowth or plant health.