Sesame Success: Fertilizer Facts Quiz Quiz

Explore essential knowledge about effective fertilizer management for growing healthy sesame crops with this balanced medium-difficulty quiz. Sharpen your understanding of nutrient timing, application methods, and crop-specific needs for optimal yields.

1. Optimal Fertilizer Timing

   At which sesame growth stage is applying nitrogen fertilizer most beneficial for ensuring vigorous early development?

   1. At flowering stage
   2. During harvest
   3. At seed maturation stage
   4. At sowing or just after emergence

   Explanation: Applying nitrogen at sowing or just after emergence promotes strong early growth and stand establishment. If delayed to flowering or seed maturation, the plant cannot utilize the nutrients effectively for biomass production. Applying at harvest provides no benefit as the crop is finishing its lifecycle.

2. Phosphorus Role Recognition

   Why is phosphorus considered important when managing fertilizer for sesame crops grown in low-fertility soils?

   1. It promotes root development and seed setting
   2. It increases leaf size excessively
   3. It delays flowering
   4. It makes sesame resistant to all pests

   Explanation: Phosphorus aids in root development and seed setting, which is especially vital in low-fertility soils. It does not cause excessive leaf growth, delay flowering, or confer pest resistance as the other options incorrectly suggest.

3. Potassium Application Method

   Which method of potassium application is generally most effective for sesame plants?

   1. Adding to irrigation water only at flowering
   2. Applying on top of dry foliage
   3. Broadcasting and incorporating into soil before planting
   4. Spraying onto leaves during afternoon

   Explanation: Incorporating potassium into the soil before planting makes it accessible to developing roots. Foliar sprays and top-dressing on dry foliage can result in uneven absorption, while adding it only at flowering misses early root development needs.

4. Micronutrient Needs

   Which micronutrient deficiency can commonly reduce sesame seed yield and quality, especially on sandy soils?

   1. Chloride
   2. Selenium
   3. Zinc
   4. Boron

   Explanation: Boron deficiency is a frequent issue in sesame, particularly on sandy soils, and can impair seed yield and quality. Selenium and chloride are generally not limiting for sesame, while zinc is important but deficiencies are less commonly reported for this crop.

5. Fertilizer Placement Practice

   Why is it not recommended to place fertilizer directly in contact with sesame seeds at planting?

   1. It improves seed vigor excessively
   2. It causes immediate flowering
   3. It can damage germinating seeds due to salt concentration
   4. It promotes weed germination only

   Explanation: Direct fertilizer-seed contact can cause high salt concentration around the seed, harming germination. Fertilizer does not make seeds too vigorous, initiate flowering, or significantly impact weed growth at this stage.