Explore essential facts about proper fertilization for healthy radish growth in horticultural practices. This quiz covers nutrients, timing, and fertilization techniques specific to radishes.
Which nutrient encourages leafy growth in radishes but can lead to poor root formation if overapplied?
Explanation: Nitrogen is vital for green leafy growth in plants, including radishes. However, excessive nitrogen causes radishes to put energy into leaves rather than forming robust roots. Phosphorus supports root development, potassium aids overall plant health and resistance, and calcium is important for internal cell structure, but they do not cause excessive leafy growth when overapplied.
Before sowing radish seeds, which fertilization step is most recommended for optimal root development?
Explanation: Mixing a balanced fertilizer into the soil before sowing supplies necessary nutrients where roots will access them earliest, helping strong root formation. Foliar sprays and top dressing with compost are more suitable for later stages, while watering with only water might not meet all nutrient needs for good growth.
Why is phosphorus especially important for radish crops?
Explanation: Phosphorus is key for vigorous root development in root vegetables like radish. While it can have some effect on other aspects of growth, its primary benefit here is healthy root formation. Leaf color is more directly affected by nitrogen, disease resistance by potassium, and flowering speed is less relevant for radish roots.
What is a common visible sign that radish plants have received too much fertilizer, particularly nitrogen?
Explanation: Excess nitrogen leads to lush, large leaves but stunted root growth, which is undesirable in radish production. Wilting and purple roots are more commonly linked to water stress or phosphorus deficiency, while reduced leaf size usually signals a lack of nutrients rather than an excess.
What is a primary reason organic compost is recommended for fertilizing radishes?
Explanation: Organic compost adds nutrients gradually and improves soil structure, enhancing water retention and root penetration—all beneficial for radish growth. It does not directly prevent insects, instantaneously acidify soil, or entirely remove weed competition.