Nutri-Boost for Arecanut Quiz Quiz

Explore essential nutrition principles for arecanut cultivation, including nutrient requirements, deficiency symptoms, and recommended practices for optimal yield.

1. Primary Macronutrient Functions

   Which primary macronutrient primarily promotes vigorous vegetative growth and leaf development in arecanut palms?

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

   Explanation: Nitrogen is crucial for vegetative growth and leaf development in arecanut palms, supporting chlorophyll formation and plant vigor. Potassium mainly enhances water regulation and fruit quality. Calcium is important for cell wall stability, and magnesium is central in chlorophyll but less directly linked to total vegetative growth.

2. Key Micronutrient Deficiency

   What visible symptom most commonly indicates zinc deficiency in arecanut plants?

   1. Leaf tip burning
   2. Purpling of old leaves
   3. Interveinal chlorosis in young leaves
   4. Marginal leaf necrosis

   Explanation: Interveinal chlorosis in young leaves usually signals zinc deficiency, as zinc is vital for enzyme activation in new growth. Leaf tip burning is more typical of chloride or salt issues. Purpling of old leaves often signals phosphorus deficiency, and marginal necrosis is typically due to potassium deficiency.

3. Recommended Fertilizer Timing

   When should the main dose of fertilizer be applied to arecanut plants to maximize nutrient uptake?

   1. At the onset of monsoon
   2. Immediately after planting
   3. Just before harvest
   4. During the dry season

   Explanation: Fertilizers are ideally applied at the onset of monsoon to ensure sufficient soil moisture for nutrient absorption. Applying during the dry season limits uptake due to insufficient water. Pre-harvest application is less effective, and immediate post-planting may not match peak nutrient demand.

4. Organic Amendments Role

   How do organic manures contribute to arecanut nutrition besides providing nutrients?

   1. Improve soil structure and water retention
   2. Increase soil acidity excessively
   3. Promote root diseases
   4. Suppress photosynthesis

   Explanation: Organic manures improve soil structure, increase water retention, and enhance microbial activity, supporting healthy arecanut growth. They do not suppress photosynthesis, nor do they typically cause harmful increases in soil acidity or promote root diseases when used properly.

5. Correct NPK Ratio

   Which NPK fertilizer ratio is generally recommended for mature arecanut palms?

   1. 50:25:25 per tree per week
   2. 140:100:100 per tree per month
   3. 200:200:200 per tree per year
   4. 100:40:140 per tree per year

   Explanation: A ratio of 100:40:140 grams N:P2O5:K2O per tree per year is a commonly recommended standard for arecanut. The other options either reflect excessive or insufficient doses or unrealistic application frequencies, which are not suitable for optimal nutrition.