Nutty Nutrition Quiz Quiz

Explore essential groundnut fertilization concepts and practices in agriculture, covering nutrient requirements, application timing, deficiencies, and sustainable techniques.

1. Nutrient Needs for Groundnuts

   Which nutrient is most critical for promoting nodulation and nitrogen fixation in groundnut crops grown in well-managed soils?

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

   Explanation: Phosphorus is essential for nodulation and nitrogen fixation in groundnuts because it aids in energy transfer, root development, and nodule formation. Potassium helps with overall plant health but does not directly support nodulation. Calcium is vital for pod development but not primarily for nodulation. Sulfur is involved in protein synthesis but does not play the main role in this process.

2. Fertilizer Application Timing

   When is the most effective period to apply basal fertilizers to groundnut fields to ensure optimal uptake?

   1. Two months after germination
   2. During flowering stage
   3. At sowing
   4. After pod filling

   Explanation: Basal fertilizers are best applied at sowing to supply nutrients when seedlings are establishing, promoting early growth. Application two months after germination or during flowering is late and may not effectively support initial plant needs. Fertilizing after pod filling is unlikely to benefit yield or quality.

3. Deficiency Identification

   Farmers observe yellowing leaves and weak growth in groundnuts; this is most often a deficiency of which nutrient?

   1. Boron
   2. Magnesium
   3. Nitrogen
   4. Iron

   Explanation: Nitrogen deficiency commonly causes leaf yellowing (chlorosis) and overall weaker plant growth. Boron deficiencies cause hollow or shrunken pods rather than leaf yellowing. Magnesium and iron deficiencies can also cause chlorosis but are less commonly limiting than nitrogen in groundnut cultivation.

4. Calcium Placement

   For improving groundnut pod development, where should land-applied gypsum (calcium source) ideally be placed?

   1. Broadcast over leaves
   2. On field boundaries
   3. Deep in the subsoil
   4. In the pod zone near developing seed

   Explanation: Calcium from gypsum should be placed in the pod zone because pods absorb calcium directly from the surrounding soil, which is critical for their development. Broadcasting over leaves or applying deep in subsoil does not effectively reach pods, while field boundaries do not benefit the main crop.

5. Sustainable Fertilization Practices

   Which soil management technique can reduce chemical fertilizer need while maintaining groundnut yields?

   1. Using only chemical fertilizers
   2. Incorporating well-decomposed farmyard manure
   3. Applying lime every year regardless of pH
   4. Flooding the field frequently

   Explanation: Farmyard manure supplies nutrients and improves soil structure, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Flooding is not needed for groundnuts and can cause issues. Overuse of chemicals may harm soil health, and blind lime application may disrupt soil pH balance instead of supporting sustainability.