Nutri-Know: Groundnut Fertilizer Quiz Quiz

Evaluate your understanding of optimal fertilizer choices and practices for groundnut cultivation. This quiz covers nutrients, application timing, and common groundnut fertilization strategies in agriculture.

1. Essential Nutrient for Nodule Formation

   Which nutrient is most critical for the formation of root nodules and promoting nitrogen fixation in groundnut plants?

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

   Explanation: Calcium is essential for nodule formation and healthy root growth in groundnuts, directly affecting nitrogen fixation. Phosphorus is important for root development but less directly linked to nodule formation. Potassium supports overall growth and disease resistance but is not a key factor for nodules. Magnesium is vital for photosynthesis but not specifically associated with nodulation.

2. Starter Nitrogen Use

   Why is a small 'starter' dose of nitrogen often applied during groundnut sowing even though groundnut is a legume?

   1. To help early plant growth before nodulation begins
   2. To prevent disease outbreaks
   3. To reduce soil acidity
   4. To boost pod development

   Explanation: Starter nitrogen supports seedling establishment until root nodules become effective. It is not for pod development or disease prevention, and it does not affect soil acidity. Proper starter nitrogen ensures healthy early stages before the groundnut's own nitrogen fixation process becomes active.

3. Recommended Potash Application

   Which statement best describes the potash (potassium) fertilizer recommendation for groundnut cultivation in moderately fertile soils?

   1. Only apply potash as a foliar spray
   2. Potash is unnecessary in all soils
   3. Apply a high dose at flowering stage
   4. Apply a moderate dose during sowing

   Explanation: A moderate application of potash at sowing ensures adequate potassium for early growth and pod filling. Foliar sprays are less efficient for potassium needs. Saying potash is unnecessary is incorrect, as deficiency affects yield. High doses at flowering can waste fertilizer and risk imbalances.

4. Gypsum Usage

   What is the primary reason gypsum is applied to groundnut crops at the peak flowering stage?

   1. To improve leaf color
   2. To supply calcium for pod development
   3. To increase soil nitrogen
   4. To control insect pests

   Explanation: Gypsum provides a soluble source of calcium, crucial for developing pods underground. It does not provide nitrogen, enhance leaf color, or control pests. Calcium from gypsum is especially important at flowering when pods begin to form to prevent empty or malformed pods.

5. Micronutrient Management

   When is the application of boron recommended for groundnut, and what does it primarily prevent?

   1. To increase leaf area, applied at maturity
   2. To avoid hollow heart in pods, applied at sowing
   3. To prevent wilting, applied post-harvest
   4. To hasten flowering, applied during pod filling

   Explanation: Boron applied at sowing prevents hollow heart disorder in groundnut pods. Applying boron at maturity or post-harvest is ineffective and not related to wilting or leaf area. It does not hasten flowering but protects pod health during development.