Mustard & Urea Know-How Quiz Quiz

Challenge your agricultural knowledge with key facts about optimizing urea application for mustard cultivation, including timing, rates, and methods.

1. Optimal Urea Application Timing

   At what stage is the first split of urea commonly recommended for mustard for maximum nutrient uptake?

   1. At sowing
   2. During seed maturation
   3. After flowering begins
   4. Just before harvesting

   Explanation: The initial split of urea is typically applied at sowing to ensure nitrogen is available as the mustard seedlings establish, supporting early growth. Applying after flowering or during seed maturation is too late to benefit vegetative growth, while application just before harvesting provides no benefit.

2. Right Urea Dosage

   Which of the following is a commonly recommended nitrogen (urea) dose range per hectare for mustard in average soils in India?

   1. 5–10 kg nitrogen per hectare
   2. 200–300 kg nitrogen per hectare
   3. 10–20 kg nitrogen per hectare
   4. 80–120 kg nitrogen per hectare

   Explanation: A dose of 80–120 kg nitrogen per hectare is generally recommended in average Indian soils for mustard, supplying this nitrogen via urea. Lower ranges such as 5–20 kg are insufficient, while 200–300 kg would result in wastage and possible toxicity.

3. Split Application Benefit

   Why do farmers prefer split application of urea rather than applying the entire dose at once for mustard crops?

   1. To control weed growth
   2. To reduce nitrogen losses and improve efficiency
   3. To enhance soil pH rapidly
   4. Because urea is slow-release by default

   Explanation: Split application minimizes nitrogen losses through leaching and volatilization, providing a steady nutrient supply. Urea is not inherently slow-release, it does not significantly impact soil pH in the short term, and nitrogen application timing is not primarily a weed control strategy.

4. Method of Urea Placement

   For maximizing nitrogen use efficiency in mustard, which urea application method is most commonly recommended?

   1. Foliar spraying in high concentrations
   2. Mixing urea with irrigation water only
   3. Broadcasting urea over crop canopy
   4. Band placement below the soil surface

   Explanation: Band placement below the soil surface reduces ammonia loss and enhances nitrogen uptake in mustard. Broadcasting over the canopy increases losses, mixing with irrigation may not ensure uniform placement, and foliar application in high concentrations can damage leaves.

5. Excess Urea Risks

   What is a likely consequence of applying excessive urea to mustard fields?

   1. Excessive vegetative growth with reduced seed yield
   2. Improved drought resistance without side effects
   3. Complete elimination of pest infestation
   4. Earlier plant maturity and better oil content

   Explanation: Too much urea can lead to lush vegetative growth at the expense of seed production in mustard. Excess nitrogen does not improve oil content, does not make plants mature earlier, nor does it eliminate pests or directly enhance drought resistance.