Mango Boost Quiz Quiz

Explore essential facts about fertilizing mango trees for healthy growth and abundant fruit. Perfect for those new to mango cultivation and fertilization practices.

1. Nutrient Requirement for Young Mango Trees

   Which nutrient is most crucial for promoting vigorous vegetative growth in young mango trees during the first few years after planting?

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

   Explanation: Nitrogen is essential for early vegetative growth in young mango trees as it encourages the development of stems and leaves. Potassium is important but plays a bigger role in fruit development. Calcium is needed for cell wall formation but is less limiting in most soils. Iron, while vital, is only required in small amounts and usually doesn't limit growth as much as nitrogen.

2. Optimal Fertilizer Application Timing

   When is the best time to apply the main dose of fertilizer to mature mango trees for maximizing fruit yield?

   1. At the peak of rainy season
   2. During fruit harvesting
   3. Immediately after flowering ends
   4. At the onset of new growth after winter

   Explanation: Applying fertilizer at the onset of new growth supplies nutrients just when the tree's uptake and demand increase, helping set a strong crop. Application immediately after flowering is too late for optimal uptake. During harvest, nutrient availability doesn't benefit the current crop. Fertilizing during peak rains can lead to nutrient leaching and wastage.

3. Fertilizer Placement in Mango Orchards

   How should granular fertilizer ideally be applied to avoid root burn and maximize uptake in mango orchards?

   1. Scatter directly around the tree trunk
   2. Apply only on exposed roots
   3. Broadcast in a band under the canopy, away from the trunk
   4. Place only in planting holes during orchard establishment

   Explanation: Spreading fertilizer in a band under the canopy targets feeder roots while avoiding direct contact with the trunk, thus preventing root burn. Scattering around the trunk can damage roots and cause nutrient loss. Applying only on exposed roots might harm roots. Limit fertilizing to planting holes deprives established trees of ongoing nutrition.

4. Micronutrient Correction in Mango Trees

   Which method is most effective for correcting zinc deficiency symptoms, such as leaf chlorosis, in mango trees?

   1. Watering with high iron content water
   2. Applying bone meal
   3. Foliar zinc spray
   4. Deep root raking

   Explanation: A foliar zinc spray delivers the micronutrient directly to affected leaves and is absorbed quickly, alleviating deficiency symptoms. Bone meal supplies phosphorus, not zinc. Watering with iron doesn't correct zinc problems. Deep root raking doesn't address nutrient deficiencies.

5. Organic Matter in Mango Fertilization

   Why is incorporating well-rotted compost or farmyard manure recommended when fertilizing mango trees?

   1. It increases soil acidity drastically
   2. It immediately releases large amounts of phosphorus
   3. It improves soil structure and nutrient retention
   4. It repels mango fruit flies

   Explanation: Compost or manure improves soil texture, water holding capacity, and nutrient retention, enhancing root health. It does not significantly change soil acidity, nor does it provide a rapid phosphorus boost. Compost does not control mango fruit flies.