Perfecting Pea Nutrition Quiz Quiz

Sharpen your understanding of fertilizing peas for optimal yield and plant health. Discover key aspects of nutrient management in pea cultivation with these easy questions.

1. Essential Nutrient for Pea Growth

   Which essential nutrient do peas obtain from the atmosphere with the help of root nodules and beneficial bacteria?

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

   Explanation: Peas form a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in their root nodules to fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it available for the plant. Phosphorus, potassium, and calcium are also important, but peas get nitrogen this unique way. Phosphorus helps with root growth, potassium supports general health, and calcium aids cell walls, but none are directly fixed from the air.

2. Nitrogen Fertilization Practices

   Why is it generally unnecessary to apply large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer directly to pea crops?

   1. Too much nitrogen speeds up germination
   2. Peas use sugar for growth
   3. They absorb nitrogen from leaves
   4. Peas fix their own nitrogen

   Explanation: Peas efficiently fix atmospheric nitrogen, usually eliminating the need for extra nitrogen fertilizer. Peas do not absorb nitrogen from leaves or rely on sugar for primary growth. Speeding up germination is not a main concern related to nitrogen application.

3. Role of Phosphorus in Peas

   Phosphorus is vital in fertilizing peas because it primarily supports which of the following?

   1. Pod filling
   2. Root development
   3. Leaf color
   4. Flower scent

   Explanation: Phosphorus is crucial for healthy root development in peas, especially when soils are cool. While pod filling and leaf color are important, they are more directly affected by other nutrients, and flower scent is not a primary agricultural focus.

4. Potassium Deficiency Symptoms

   A pea crop showing yellowing of leaf edges and weak stems may be deficient in which nutrient?

   1. Sulfur
   2. Potassium
   3. Iron
   4. Magnesium

   Explanation: Potassium deficiency commonly leads to yellowing along leaf margins and weak stems. Magnesium deficiency causes interveinal chlorosis, iron deficiency results in pale young leaves, and sulfur deficiency appears as pale uniform yellowing, not edge-specific.

5. Timing of Fertilizer Application

   When is the best time to apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to a pea field for best uptake?

   1. At pod formation only
   2. After harvest
   3. During flowering
   4. Before or at planting

   Explanation: Applying phosphorus and potassium before or at planting ensures nutrients are available during early root growth when they are most needed. Application during flowering or pod formation is often too late for best uptake, and after harvest does not benefit the current crop.