Sweet Yields: Sugarcane Nutrient Quiz Quiz

Explore the essential nutrients, deficiency symptoms, and fertilization practices needed for optimum sugarcane growth. This quiz blends fundamental concepts with practical knowledge for medium-level learners.

1. Primary Macronutrient in Sugarcane Growth

   Which element is considered the primary macronutrient crucial for high biomass production in sugarcane cultivation?

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

   Explanation: Nitrogen is vital for sugarcane's rapid vegetative growth and high biomass yield. Calcium supports cell wall structure, but in smaller amounts, while iron and boron are micronutrients and do not drive overall biomass production to the same extent.

2. Deficiency Symptoms in Sugarcane

   When sugarcane plants show yellowing of younger leaves while older leaves remain green, which nutrient is most likely deficient?

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

   Explanation: Iron deficiency often causes interveinal chlorosis in younger leaves due to its immobility in the plant. Potassium and magnesium deficiencies typically affect older leaves, while zinc deficiency can cause shortening of internodes rather than yellowing only.

3. Role of Potassium

   During periods of drought, sugarcane that receives adequate potassium is better able to maintain water uptake. What is the primary function of potassium in this scenario?

   1. Facilitating nitrogen fixation
   2. Enhancing root nodulation
   3. Promoting chlorophyll synthesis
   4. Regulating stomatal opening

   Explanation: Potassium helps regulate stomatal movements, supporting water conservation during stress. Chlorophyll synthesis is more tied to magnesium, root nodulation is relevant to legumes, and nitrogen fixation is not a direct function for sugarcane.

4. Balanced Fertilizer Application

   A farmer notices weak sugarcane growth after only applying nitrogen fertilizer for two consecutive seasons. What best explains why balanced fertilization is important for sugarcane?

   1. Prevents depletion of other essential nutrients
   2. Ensures higher soil acidity
   3. Speeds up harvest time beyond biological limits
   4. Reduces pest infestations directly

   Explanation: Balanced fertilizer use avoids depleting non-nitrogen nutrients, ensuring sustainable growth. Fertilizer does not directly alter soil acidity to a beneficial extent, nor does it specifically target pests or unrealistically speed up harvest timing.

5. Micronutrient Deficiency Impact

   Which micronutrient deficiency in sugarcane is most commonly linked to malformed or suppressed bud formation along the stalk?

   1. Sulfur
   2. Manganese
   3. Zinc
   4. Phosphorus

   Explanation: Zinc deficiency can cause poor bud development and stunted nodes. Phosphorus is crucial but not directly linked to bud malformation; manganese and sulfur deficiencies typically present other symptoms, such as leaf discoloration rather than bud issues.