Sharpen your knowledge of effective nutrient management for rice crops. Explore essential practices and principles farmers use to optimize paddy yields through balanced fertilization.
Which macronutrient is most closely associated with promoting the vigorous vegetative growth of paddy during its early stages?
Explanation: Nitrogen is essential for vegetative growth and is crucial during the early stages of paddy development. Potassium supports plant health and grain filling, but not rapid early growth. Calcium and magnesium are important for overall plant structure and chlorophyll synthesis respectively, but are not the primary growth drivers in early stages.
At which paddy growth stage is top-dressing with nitrogen fertilizer most beneficial for maximizing yield?
Explanation: The tillering stage is when spreading additional nitrogen is most effective for boosting shoot development and yield. Seeding and pre-sowing apply to earlier activities, while fertilizer just before harvest will not enhance grain formation. Timing is crucial for the plant to utilize nutrients efficiently.
Why is potassium fertilization important for paddy, especially during grain filling?
Explanation: Potassium strengthens plants, enhances grain quality, and improves resistance to lodging. While it contributes to various growth processes, it is not primarily responsible for early root growth (option B), controlling vegetative growth (option C), or replacing phosphorus (option D), which is another essential macronutrient.
Farmers in certain areas experience 'khaira' disease in paddy. Which nutrient deficiency most often causes this problem?
Explanation: Khaira disease in paddy is a classic symptom of zinc deficiency, leading to stunted growth and leaf discoloration. Sulphur, manganese, and boron deficiencies cause other, less typical symptoms in rice and are not commonly linked to khaira.
For effective nutrient use efficiency in flooded paddy fields, what is a recommended method of fertilizer placement?
Explanation: Placing fertilizer in subsurface bands reduces nutrient losses from standing water, increasing uptake efficiency. Broadcasting leads to nutrient loss via volatilization or runoff, foliar sprays are less common for macronutrients, and mixing with irrigation is less controlled in waterlogged conditions.