Feeding Your Wheat Right Quiz Quiz

Explore the essentials of wheat nutrient management, from key macronutrients to practical fertilizer choices and the impacts of deficiency. Assess your knowledge of soil and plant health factors vital for successful wheat crops.

1. Essential Macronutrient for Wheat

   Which macronutrient is most important for strong root and grain development in wheat?

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

   Explanation: Nitrogen is the primary macronutrient aiding robust root growth and good grain yields in wheat. Potassium helps overall plant health but is not as central for root and grain development. Iron and calcium are micronutrients or secondary nutrients and are needed in smaller amounts.

2. Detecting a Deficiency

   A wheat field shows yellowing of older leaves while the younger leaves remain green; what nutrient is most likely deficient?

   1. Nitrogen
   2. Sulfur
   3. Magnesium
   4. Zinc

   Explanation: Yellowing of older leaves is a classic symptom of nitrogen deficiency in wheat. Sulfur shortage usually starts in younger leaves, while zinc and magnesium deficiencies manifest differently and are less common in causing this pattern.

3. Balanced Fertilizer Example

   Which of the following fertilizer formulations is considered 'balanced' for wheat crops?

   1. Muriate of Potash
   2. Urea
   3. NPK 10-10-10
   4. Single Super Phosphate

   Explanation: NPK 10-10-10 provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium equally, making it a balanced fertilizer. Urea contains only nitrogen, single super phosphate provides mainly phosphorus, and muriate of potash supplies potassium only.

4. Timing of Fertilizer Application

   Why is split application of nitrogen fertilizer recommended in wheat cultivation?

   1. To eliminate weeding needs
   2. To prevent all plant diseases
   3. To reduce nutrient loss and boost uptake
   4. To save on purchasing costs

   Explanation: Split application helps match nitrogen availability to plant uptake, reducing loss through leaching or volatilization and improving efficiency. It does not directly impact purchase costs, disease prevention, or weed management.

5. Soil Testing

   Before planting wheat, why should farmers test their soil for nutrient levels?

   1. To measure irrigation needs
   2. To determine correct fertilizer amounts
   3. To check for weed seeds
   4. To assess rainfall patterns

   Explanation: Soil testing identifies available nutrients and helps guide fertilizer recommendations. It does not check for weed seeds, measure irrigation requirements, or assess rainfall directly.