Feeding Gram for Success Quiz

Explore key principles of nutrient management in gram (chickpea) cultivation, including best practices, common deficiencies, and judicious fertilizer use for optimal yields.

1. Nitrogen Fixation in Gram

   Which soil management practice best supports nitrogen fixation in gram (chickpea) crops?

   1. Increasing soil acidity
   2. Waterlogging the field before sowing
   3. Applying extra urea fertilizer
   4. Inoculating seeds with Rhizobium bacteria

   Explanation: Inoculating seeds with Rhizobium enables effective biological nitrogen fixation in gram. Applying extra urea is not recommended, as legumes largely meet their nitrogen needs through symbiosis. Increasing soil acidity hinders both plant and Rhizobium performance. Waterlogging the field deprives roots of oxygen, impairing plant growth and microbial activity.

2. Phosphorus Nutrition in Gram

   Why is phosphorus particularly important during the early growth stages of gram?

   1. It increases leaf thickness
   2. It promotes strong root development
   3. It delays flowering
   4. It prevents pest attacks

   Explanation: Phosphorus is crucial in early growth because it stimulates root development, facilitating nutrient and water uptake. It does not directly increase leaf thickness, prevent pest attacks, nor delay flowering, making these distractors less relevant for gram nutrient management.

3. Micronutrient Deficiencies in Gram

   A gram crop shows stunted growth and pale younger leaves. Which micronutrient deficiency does this most likely indicate?

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

   Explanation: Zinc deficiency in gram typically results in stunted growth and pale new leaves. Potassium deficiency more often causes yellowing of leaf margins, calcium deficiency affects growing points, and boron mainly impairs flower and seed set.

4. Balanced Fertilizer Application

   Which strategy best ensures balanced nutrient supply in a gram field with low soil fertility?

   1. Applying recommended doses of organic manure and chemical fertilizers
   2. Irrigating with water high in salts
   3. Applying organic manure every five years
   4. Using chemical fertilizers only

   Explanation: A combined application of recommended organic manure and chemical fertilizers supplies both macronutrients and micronutrients needed by gram. Using chemical fertilizers alone may not support soil health, irrigation with high-salt water can harm plants, and applying manure every five years is insufficient for fertility maintenance.

5. Timing of Fertilizer Application

   When is the ideal time to apply basal fertilizers like phosphorus in gram cultivation?

   1. After harvesting
   2. At sowing
   3. At pod formation
   4. During flowering

   Explanation: Phosphorus is most effective when applied at sowing since it is relatively immobile in soil, allowing early root growth. Application during pod formation or flowering is too late, and after harvesting provides no benefit to the existing crop.