Challenge your understanding of maize cultivation with these medium-difficulty questions covering agronomic practices, climatic needs, soil requirements, and pest management.
In most temperate regions, which season is considered optimal for sowing maize to ensure the best growth and yield?
Explanation: Spring is ideal for maize sowing in temperate areas due to favorable temperatures and moisture, promoting strong germination. Autumn and winter are generally too cold and limit early growth. Late summer planting risks heat and drought during critical development phases.
Which soil type is most recommended for maize cultivation to achieve high yields and robust plant health?
Explanation: Well-drained loamy soil provides necessary nutrients, retains moisture, and supports root development critical for maize. Heavy clay limits drainage, sandy soil lacks sufficient nutrients, and saline soil can hinder growth due to salt stress.
When is the most effective time to apply nitrogen fertilizer during maize cultivation?
Explanation: Applying nitrogen at sowing and early vegetative stages supports vigorous leaf and stem development, crucial for maize yield. Applying only at harvest or after cob formation is too late, while during flowering is less efficient for plant health.
During which maize growth stage is adequate irrigation most critical for kernel development and yield?
Explanation: Silking is when maize is highly sensitive to water stress, directly influencing pollination and kernel set. While water is always needed, the seedling and germination stages are less critical compared to silking, and maturity requires far less irrigation.
Which pest is most commonly associated with significant damage to maize crops worldwide?
Explanation: Fall armyworm infests maize globally, causing extensive damage to leaves and cobs, impacting yields. Rice stem borer mainly affects rice, red spider mites target other crops primarily, and aphid russett is unrelated to serious maize damage.