Sowing Methods: Broadcasting Techniques

Questions and Answers

What is a major disadvantage of the broadcasting method?

100% germination is impossible due to lack of soil contact. (correct)

Seeds can be placed at the desired depth.

Less enhanced seed rate is required.

Seeds are sown at a fixed distance.

Which of the following crops is NOT typically dibbled?

Wheat (correct)

Sorghum

Maize

Sunflower

What is the primary advantage of using the dibbling method?

It allows for placing seeds at the desired depth. (correct)

It is the cheapest sowing method available.

Requires minimal labor input.

It ensures random sowing.

Which method involves dropping seeds in the furrows created by a plough?

Sowing behind the plough Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of drill sowing?

Seeds are compacted and covered uniformly. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about broadcasting is true?

It is the most widely adopted sowing method in India. Signup and view all the answers

What type of seeds are best suited for dibbling?

Medium to large sized seeds Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of dibbling compared to broadcasting?

Greater labor requirement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of irrigation?

The artificial application of water to the soil for crop production. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to irrigation scheduling focuses on soil moisture levels?

Soil Moisture Deficit Approach Signup and view all the answers

What measurement corresponds to 1 Cusec?

28.3 liters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the critical stage approach to irrigation scheduling?

It identifies stages when plants are most sensitive to water shortages. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is accurate regarding weirs in irrigation?

They are used to measure flow in irrigation channels. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ratio IW/CPE indicate in climatological approaches?

Soil moisture stress index. Signup and view all the answers

What is the plant population per hectare for maize varieties?

83,333 plants/ha Signup and view all the answers

Which spacing option is not listed for crops?

80 cm x 25 cm Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of nominal duty in irrigation?

The ratio of the area to be irrigated to the mean supply discharge during the base period. Signup and view all the answers

Which crop has the highest water use efficiency based on the provided data?

Finger Millet Signup and view all the answers

What is defined by the term 'delta' (Δ) in irrigation?

The total depth of water (cm) required by a crop during its duration in the field. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a 'crop rainy day'?

Rainfall measuring more than 2.5 mm in 24 hours. Signup and view all the answers

Which method of irrigation is also known as warabhandi irrigation?

Rotational irrigation Signup and view all the answers

How is 'cumec day' defined in the context of irrigation?

The volume of water flowing at one cumec for one day. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered effective rain?

Rainfall measuring less than 2.5 mm in 24 hours. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the 'base period' in crop irrigation?

The time from the first irrigation to the last irrigation of a crop. Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimum depth of sowing for most field crops?

3-5 cm Signup and view all the answers

Which type of germination involves the cotyledons remaining below the soil surface?

Hypogeal germination Signup and view all the answers

How deep should ploughing generally be for shallow-rooted crops?

30-60 cm Signup and view all the answers

What wavelength of light is most effective for promoting seed germination?

Red (662 nm) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of thinning and gap filling in intercultural operations?

To ensure uniform plant density Signup and view all the answers

Which crop has the highest plant population of 6,66,666 plants/ha?

Rice (short duration) Signup and view all the answers

What is the desirable depth of ploughing for field crops?

12-20 cm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following crops is classified as requiring a deep ploughing depth?

Citrus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of the drilling method?

High cost Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended nursery duration for a crop that takes 4 months to mature?

4 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which method allows for optimum plant population and reduces management in the field?

Transplanting Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the square method of planting?

Plants have equal spacing on all sides Signup and view all the answers

Which planting method is less laborious and expensive?

Broadcasting Signup and view all the answers

In which arrangement does each row have no proper spacing between plants?

Solid row Signup and view all the answers

Which crop is not typically associated with transplanting?

Cereal grains Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a paired row arrangement in planting?

To accommodate intercrops Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of broadcasting as a planting method?

Under-exploitation of resources Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of the triangular planting method?

Higher plant density Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sowing Methods

Broadcasting: Random sowing by scattering seeds, used for small to medium crops. Most prevalent method in India due to low labor needs and cost-effectiveness. Criss-cross sowing enhances uniformity.
Disadvantages of Broadcasting: Poor soil contact limits germination, requires more seeds, lacks desirable planting depth, and can lead to lodging of plants.
Dibbling: Seeds inserted at a desired depth in soil for wider spaced crops, commonly used for sorghum, maize, and sunflowers. Requires more labor and time but offers uniform population and better germination.
Sowing Behind the Plough: Manual/mechanical sowing of seeds in ploughed furrows, ensuring uniform distance. Commonly sows crops like red gram, cowpea, and groundnut. Allows for accurate planting depth and is effective for a variety of seed sizes.
Drill Sowing: Seeds dropped at a definite depth and covered. Seeds are planted in rows, promoting efficient soil use. Less seed is required, and it allows for concurrent application of fertilizers but is time-consuming and costly.
Transplanting: Involves raising seedlings in nurseries before planting. Ensures optimum population density and crop management efficiency. Common for paddy, vegetables, and tobacco but requires significant labor and resources.
Planting: Involves vegetative reproduction, using parts like tubers and cuttings, ensuring strong crop establishment.

Crop Geometry

Broadcasting Geometry: Random arrangement results in uneven resource distribution.
Square Geometry: Even distances between plants, suitable for perennial crops, allows for even light distribution and mechanization.
Rectangular Method: Organization of rows and columns, suitable for annual crops. Variants include:
- Solid Row: No spacing between plants, used for tillering crops.
- Paired Row Arrangement: Adjusts spacing for intercrops while maintaining base population.
- Skip Row: Reduces population by omitting rows for intercrops, useful in drought conditions.
- Triangular Method: Compact planting for wide-spaced crops like coconut and mango.

Irrigation

Definition: Artificial water application to complement rainfall for crop production.
Sources of Water: Surface (rivers, lakes) and underground (wells, tubewells).
Irrigation Scheduling: Timing and frequency of irrigations based on crop needs.
Measurement Units: Cusec (28.3 liters), Cumec (1000 liters), ha mm (10,000 liters).
Water Measurement Methods:
- Orifices: For small streams.
- Weirs: Discharge measurements using equations.
- Parshall Flume: Versatile measurement for flat irrigation channels.

Germination

Process: Seed growth initiation, with optimal wavelengths for germination being red light.
Types of Germination:
- Epigeal: Cotyledons rise above soil (e.g., bean, castor).
- Hypogeal: Cotyledons remain below soil (e.g., pea, maize).

Intercultural Operations

Thinning and Gap Filling: Essential practices after sowing within a 15-day window.
Earthing Up: Performed 6-8 weeks after sowing for root support.
Ploughing Depth Classification:
- Shallow: 5-6 cm.
- Medium: 15-20 cm.
- Deep: 25-30 cm.

Plant Population

Key agricultural data detailing acceptable plant populations per hectare for crops like cotton and maize.

Water Use Efficiency of Major Field Crops

Water Use Efficiency Values (Kg/ha mm):
- Finger Millet: 13.4
- Wheat: 12.6
- Groundnut: 9.2
- Sorghum: 9
- Maize: 8
- Rice: 3.7

Terminology

Nominal Duty: Area-to-discharge ratio in irrigation.
Kor Watering: Initial irrigation before planting; vital for seed establishment.
Duty of Water (D): Area irrigated per water quantity, crucial for efficient water use.

Key Insights

Understanding the intricacies of planting methods and irrigation practices is vital for optimizing crop yield and resource management.
Efficient plant populations and proper irrigation scheduling contribute significantly to agricultural productivity.

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Description

Explore the broadcasting method of sowing seeds, known for its simplicity and low labor requirements. This quiz covers key aspects like the concept of criss-cross sowing and its application in India for various crop sizes. Test your knowledge on this fundamental agricultural practice!