Sharpen your understanding of nutrient management techniques for optimal groundnut cultivation. Explore balanced fertilization, deficiency symptoms, and effective crop management practices.
Which nutrient is most commonly applied as a basal dose before sowing groundnut seeds to support initial root and seedling growth?
Explanation: Phosphorus is crucial for early root development and is commonly applied as a basal fertilizer before groundnut sowing. Potassium is important but is often split or applied later in some regions. Sulfur supports protein synthesis but is not usually the main basal nutrient. Magnesium, though essential, is rarely a limiting factor at sowing.
A groundnut field displays yellowing of younger leaves while veins remain green. This is most likely a deficiency of which nutrient?
Explanation: Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between green veins) of young leaves is characteristic of iron deficiency in groundnuts. Nitrogen deficiency usually causes uniform yellowing of older leaves. Calcium deficiency mainly appears on developing pods, and molybdenum deficiency is rarer and relates to nitrogen fixation issues.
Why is gypsum frequently recommended at pegging in groundnut cultivation?
Explanation: Gypsum provides calcium, vital for healthy groundnut pod formation, as calcium is poorly mobile in plants. It does not acidify soil (it can actually reduce acidity slightly), is not a fungicide, and does not supply nitrogen.
What could be a likely outcome of excessive nitrogen fertilizer application in groundnut farming?
Explanation: Too much nitrogen reduces nodule formation and the plant's ability to fix nitrogen, negatively affecting yields. Increased nitrogen does not directly increase pod set, improve disease resistance, or promote deeper rooting in groundnuts.
What is a best practice to supply micronutrients like zinc to groundnut crops in deficient soils?
Explanation: Direct soil or foliar application of zinc sulfate effectively addresses zinc deficiency. Increasing phosphorus or adding organic matter can help nutrient availability but may not correct acute zinc deficiency. Deep plowing alone does not supply micronutrients.