Boosting Beetroots Quiz Quiz

Discover foundational practices for fertilizing beetroot crops, including nutrient needs, timing, and soil management. Perfect for home gardeners and aspiring agriculturalists interested in beetroot vitality.

1. Essential Nutrient for Beetroots

   Which primary nutrient is most important for strong root development in beetroot crops?

   1. Zinc
   2. Calcium
   3. Nitrogen
   4. Potassium

   Explanation: Potassium is crucial for root development, water regulation, and disease resistance in beetroots. While nitrogen supports leafy growth, excess can lead to poor root size. Calcium helps with cell structure but isn't a key factor in root enlargement. Zinc is a micronutrient needed in very small amounts and does not specifically boost root formation.

2. Timing Beetroot Fertilization

   When should the base fertilizer generally be applied when growing beetroots from seed?

   1. Before sowing the seeds
   2. Just after harvesting
   3. At the end of growth
   4. During the flowering stage

   Explanation: Base fertilizer is best applied before sowing beetroot seeds to ensure nutrients are available for young plants. Applying after harvest or at the end of growth is too late, and during flowering is less relevant since beetroots are harvested for their roots, not flowers.

3. Fertilizer Type for Beetroots

   Which type of fertilizer is commonly recommended for beetroots to supply nitrogen steadily during early growth?

   1. Slow-release granular
   2. Liquid foliar
   3. Bone meal
   4. Wood ash

   Explanation: Slow-release granular fertilizer provides a constant supply of nitrogen as young beetroot plants grow. Liquid foliar feeds act quickly but may be insufficient alone. Wood ash supplies potassium, not nitrogen. Bone meal is primarily a phosphorus source, needed in moderation.

4. Soil pH Preference

   Beetroot grows best in soils with which general pH range?

   1. 7.5–8.0
   2. 4.5–5.0
   3. 5.0–5.5
   4. 6.0–7.0

   Explanation: A pH of 6.0–7.0 is ideal for beetroot, promoting nutrient availability and healthy growth. More acidic soils (below 6.0) can limit nutrient uptake, while alkaline soils (above 7.0) can cause deficiencies.

5. Symptoms of Fertilizer Imbalance

   Which common symptom may indicate excessive nitrogen application in beetroot plants?

   1. Premature bolting
   2. Deep purple stems
   3. Stunted leaves
   4. Small roots and excess leaf growth

   Explanation: Too much nitrogen encourages lush leaf growth but small, underdeveloped roots in beetroots. Stunted leaves result from deficiencies, deep purple stems often signal phosphorus shortage, and premature bolting typically relates to stress or day length rather than fertilizer imbalance.