Explore essential facts about cluster bean (guar) cultivation, focusing on sowing methods, timing, soil, spacing, and basic management in agriculture. Perfect for beginners aiming to understand core cluster bean farming practices.
Which of the following is the most suitable season for sowing cluster bean (guar) seeds in typical Indian agroclimatic conditions?
Explanation: Kharif or monsoon season provides the warm temperatures and moisture necessary for good cluster bean establishment. Rabi (winter) season is unsuitable as cluster bean prefers heat, not cool weather. Zaid (summer) can be too hot and may lack sufficient water. Post-monsoon periods often do not provide optimal growth conditions for cluster bean sowing.
What type of soil is generally best for growing cluster bean (guar) successfully?
Explanation: Cluster bean grows best in well-drained sandy loam because it ensures proper root aeration and prevents waterlogging. Heavy clay can retain excess water, leading to root diseases. Acidic peaty soil is not suitable as cluster beans prefer neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Waterlogged saline soils can stunt plant growth and reduce yields.
What is the recommended seed rate for sowing cluster bean per hectare under normal conditions?
Explanation: A seed rate of 20–25 kg per hectare ensures adequate plant population without excessive competition. Rates like 5–8 kg per hectare are too low for sufficient plant density. 50–60 kg or 100 kg per hectare are unnecessarily high, leading to overcrowding and waste of seed.
What is the most commonly recommended row-to-row spacing for cluster bean cultivation?
Explanation: A 45 cm row spacing is typically recommended to provide sufficient airflow and allow plants to develop properly. 15 cm and 10 cm are too narrow, leading to competition and disease risk. 75 cm is wider than necessary, reducing plant population and yield potential.
Why is it advisable to treat cluster bean seeds with Rhizobium culture before sowing?
Explanation: Treating seeds with Rhizobium culture helps form nodules on roots for improved nitrogen fixation, benefiting plant growth. Changing seed color or increasing seed weight is not the goal of Rhizobium treatment. It does not directly speed up harvesting; rather, it helps overall plant nutrition and health.