Explore fundamental principles of fertilizer management in mustard cultivation with this easy quiz. Understand nutrient requirements and best practices to enhance mustard yield and quality.
Which macronutrient is especially crucial for ensuring healthy pod development in mustard crops?
Explanation: Potassium is essential for pod development and overall plant vitality in mustard crops. While nitrogen supports leaf and stem growth, calcium aids cell wall formation, and iron is mainly needed for chlorophyll synthesis, but neither is as directly vital for pod formation as potassium.
What is a possible outcome of applying excessive nitrogen fertilizer to mustard plants?
Explanation: Too much nitrogen in mustard can lead to lush vegetative growth at the expense of seed production. It does not improve disease resistance and may even make plants more susceptible. Excess nitrogen does not boost phosphorus uptake or oil content.
When is the best time to apply the main dose of nitrogen fertilizer in a mustard crop's growing cycle?
Explanation: Applying most nitrogen at sowing and early growth ensures it is available during periods of active plant uptake. Waiting until harvest, after full flowering, or just before seed setting is too late for effective uptake and yield improvement.
Why is sulfur considered an important nutrient for mustard fertilizer management?
Explanation: Sulfur is especially important for mustard as it directly influences seed oil content and overall quality. It does not prevent insect damage, protect against cold, or have a primary function in phosphorus leaching.
A mustard crop with yellowing of young leaves might be suffering from a deficiency of which micronutrient?
Explanation: Iron deficiency in mustard plants often appears as yellowing of young leaves, known as chlorosis. Zinc and copper deficiencies typically show other symptoms such as reduced leaf size or twisting, while boron deficiency more often affects flower and pod formation.