Timely Wheat Watering Quiz Quiz

Explore key facts about optimal irrigation practices for wheat crops, covering timing, methods, and the impact of water on growth and yield.

1. Critical Time for Wheat Irrigation

   Which growth stage is considered most critical for irrigating wheat to maximize yield?

   1. Late jointing stage
   2. Crown root initiation (CRI)
   3. After harvest
   4. Physical maturity

   Explanation: Crown root initiation (CRI) is the most crucial stage because water stress here greatly reduces final yield. While late jointing is important, it's less critical than CRI. Physical maturity and post-harvest are not stages for irrigation, as the crop doesn't benefit from additional water then.

2. Impact of Over-Irrigation

   What problem may result from over-irrigating wheat fields, especially during early growth?

   1. Faster germination
   2. Stronger stem growth
   3. Waterlogging and root rot
   4. Increased grain protein content

   Explanation: Excessive irrigation causes waterlogging, reducing oxygen for roots and potentially leading to root rot. Faster germination and stronger stems are not generally effects of over-irrigation, and increased grain protein content is more influenced by variety and nutrition than water excess.

3. Suitable Irrigation Methods

   Which irrigation method is commonly used for wheat due to its efficiency and ease of application?

   1. Check basin
   2. Drip irrigation
   3. Sprinkler irrigation
   4. Flooding without bunds

   Explanation: Check basin irrigation is widely used for wheat because it provides uniform water application and is practical for field conditions. Drip and sprinkler methods can work but are less common due to cost or field layout. Flooding without bunds leads to uneven water distribution and higher losses.

4. Timing of the First Irrigation

   After sowing wheat, when should the first irrigation normally be applied for optimal root development?

   1. After visible heading
   2. One week before harvest
   3. Immediately after sowing
   4. About 21 days after sowing

   Explanation: Irrigation about 21 days after sowing, at the CRI stage, encourages deep root development and robust plant growth. Immediate irrigation is usually unnecessary if the soil is moist. Watering at heading or just before harvest does not promote root development or improve yield.

5. Water Requirement Variation

   How does water requirement for wheat generally change from sowing to grain filling?

   1. It decreases steadily from start to finish
   2. It increases and then decreases toward maturity
   3. It remains the same throughout
   4. It is highest immediately after sowing

   Explanation: Wheat water needs rise from sowing, peaking at flowering and grain filling, and then decline as the crop reaches maturity. It does not remain constant or decrease throughout, and the requirement is not highest just after sowing when the young plant uses less water.