Nutri-Know Coconut Quiz Quiz

Challenge your understanding of essential coconut nutrient management practices and their impact on yield and health. Discover key facts across fertilization, deficiency symptoms, soil amendments, and more.

1. Recommended Fertilizer Application Split

   Which of the following is the most recommended way to split the annual fertilizer dose for coconut palms in rainfed conditions?

   1. Apply the entire dose at the start of summer
   2. Apply half before the onset of monsoon and half at the end of monsoon
   3. Apply the entire dose at the end of monsoon
   4. Apply monthly in small doses throughout the year

   Explanation: Splitting fertilizer application, half before and half after the monsoon, ensures nutrients are available during critical growth periods and reduces loss due to leaching. Single large doses can cause nutrient wastage, especially in sandy soils. Monthly small doses are impractical for most farmers, while applying the entire dose at the end of the monsoon may delay nutrient availability when needed most.

2. Potassium Deficiency Symptom Identification

   What is a primary visible symptom of potassium deficiency in coconut palm leaves?

   1. Chlorosis starting from leaf tip
   2. Marginal leaf yellowing and necrosis
   3. Purpling of the midrib
   4. Leaf curling and stunted growth

   Explanation: Potassium deficiency typically causes yellowing and necrosis along the margins of older coconut leaves. Purpling of the midrib is not common in coconuts and usually relates to phosphorus in other crops. Leaf curling and stunted growth are general signs but not distinctive for potassium shortage. Chlorosis from the tip indicates possible nitrogen deficiency.

3. Role of Magnesium in Coconut Health

   Why is magnesium an important secondary nutrient for coconut cultivation?

   1. It acts as a main component of coconut oil
   2. It directly increases water uptake by roots
   3. It is the core atom in chlorophyll and supports photosynthesis
   4. It enhances root elongation significantly

   Explanation: Magnesium is vital as the central atom in chlorophyll molecules, helping with photosynthesis in coconut palms. While it can indirectly support root health, its primary function is not root elongation or water uptake. Magnesium is not a structural component of coconut oil.

4. Soil Amendment for Acidic Coconut Soils

   Which soil amendment is most commonly used to correct soil acidity in coconut plantations?

   1. Gypsum
   2. Urea
   3. Agricultural lime (calcium carbonate)
   4. Super phosphate

   Explanation: Agricultural lime is applied to raise soil pH and reduce acidity, commonly in coconut fields with acidic soils. Super phosphate provides phosphorus but doesn't neutralize acidity. Gypsum supplies calcium and sulfur but has minimal effect on pH. Urea is a nitrogen source and may acidify soil rather than correct acidity.

5. Organic Manure Recommendation in Coconuts

   What is the typical recommended annual rate of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) per adult coconut palm?

   1. 5 kg per palm
   2. 50 kg per palm
   3. 500 kg per palm
   4. 15 kg per palm

   Explanation: The usual recommendation is 50 kg FYM per adult coconut palm each year to improve soil health and supply nutrients. Five kilograms is insufficient for mature palms, while 500 kg is excessive and impractical. Fifteen kilograms may be used for young palms but not for fully grown ones.