Sowing Methods Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which of the following defines irrigation?

Artificial application of water to the soil for crop production. (correct)

Use of groundwater only for crop irrigation.

Natural application of rainwater to the soil.

Application of water solely during the dry season.

What is the main purpose of irrigation scheduling?

To assess the irrigation water quality.

To determine the best crop variety.

To decide the number and timing of irrigations for a crop. (correct)

To measure the moisture content of soil.

Which approach considers the depletion of available soil moisture?

Critical stage approach.

Transpiration ratio approach.

Soil moisture deficit approach. (correct)

Climatologically approach.

What does the IW/CPE ratio indicate in irrigation scheduling?

Soil moisture stress index. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about Parshall Flume?

It combines weir and submerged orifice functionalities. Signup and view all the answers

How many litres are in 1 Cumec?

1000 litres Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the critical stage approach in irrigation?

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

Which crop density is associated with hybrid cotton?

18,518 plants/ha Signup and view all the answers

Which wavelength inhibits germination?

730 nm Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimum sowing depth for most field crops?

3-5 cm Signup and view all the answers

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

Hypogeal germination Signup and view all the answers

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

To ensure uniform plant population Signup and view all the answers

What depth is classified as shallow ploughing according to CRIDA?

5-6 cm 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 crop typically has a root depth of 30-60 cm?

Paddy Signup and view all the answers

How many plants per hectare are recommended for short duration rice variety?

6,66,666 Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of broadcasting seeds?

Enhanced seed rate is required. Signup and view all the answers

Which method allows seeds to be placed at a desired depth?

Dibbling Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a disadvantage of dibbling?

It ensures uniform population. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using the drill sowing method?

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

What crops are commonly sown using the method of sowing behind the plough?

Red gram and cowpea Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinctive feature of the dibbling method?

Seeds are planted at a uniform depth. Signup and view all the answers

Which disadvantage is associated with broadcasting seeds?

Seeds cannot be placed in the desired depth. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about drill sowing is TRUE?

Seeds are dropped at a definite depth. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'base period' refer to in irrigation?

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

Which crop has the highest water use efficiency according to the provided data?

Finger Millet Signup and view all the answers

In the context of irrigation, what is 'Kor watering'?

First watering for crop establishment Signup and view all the answers

What does the symbol Δ represent in irrigation terminology?

Total depth of water required by a crop Signup and view all the answers

What is the quantity equivalent to one cumec day in irrigation?

8.64 ha-m Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an effective rain according to the context provided?

Rain fall below 5 mm in 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'duty of water (D)' in irrigation?

Ratio of area irrigated to quantity of water applied Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Paleo Irrigation' refer to?

Irrigation needed for seed germination and establishment Signup and view all the answers

What is one major disadvantage of the drilling method of planting?

It is generally more time-consuming. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of transplanting?

It requires the seedlings to be half the total crop duration. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of the rectangular method of sowing?

It has a defined row arrangement with no column arrangement. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of nursery transplanting?

It incurs additional expenses and labor. Signup and view all the answers

Which planting method does NOT have a structured spacing for plants?

Broadcasting Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would the paired row arrangement be implemented?

When certain intercropping strategies are necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the transplanting shock period?

To allow seedlings to acclimate and recover growth. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the area required for nursery beds in transplanting?

1/10th of the total area. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sowing Methods

Broadcasting

Definition: Random sowing method; seeds are scattered over the field.
Characteristics: Predominantly used in India due to low cost and labor requirements.
Technique: Effective when cross-sown in perpendicular directions for uniform density.
Seed Treatment: For sesame, seed-sand ratio of 1:10 or 1:15 is recommended.
Disadvantages: Non-uniform seed-soil contact, insufficient germination rates, increased seed usage, and lodging issues.

Dibbling

Definition: Planting seeds at specific depths by inserting them into holes.
Suitable for: Larger seeds and crops like sorghum, maize, and sunflower with widely spaced planting.
Advantages: Enhances uniformity, improves germination rates, and reduces seed consumption.
Disadvantages: Labor-intensive, time-consuming, and more expensive.

Sowing Behind the Plough

Definition: Seeds are placed in furrows made by the plough and covered as the next furrow is created.
Crops: Commonly used for red gram, cowpea, and groundnut.
Major Crop: Groundnut is predominantly sowed using this method.
Mechanization: Utilizes a seed drill for efficient sowing by placing seeds at the correct depth.
Advantages: Proper depth placement and suitable for a variety of seeds like maize and millets.

Drill Sowing

Definition: Seeds are dropped at specific depths and covered with soil.
Method: Implements are utilized for precise sowing into soil rows.
Spacing: Allows for continuous planting in designated rows.

Irrigation

Definition and Sources

Irrigation: Artificially adds water to crops to complement rainfall and groundwater.
Sources:
- Surface: Rivers, lakes, canals
- Underground: Wells, tubewells

Irrigation Scheduling Approaches

Transpiration Ratio: Water amount transpired per unit of dry matter produced.
Soil Moisture Deficit: Recommended moisture depletion levels for crops like maize and wheat.
Climatological: Based on soil moisture stress index (IW/CPE ratio).
Critical Stage: Identifies timings when water shortages significantly impact crop growth.

Measurement of Irrigation Water

Cusec: 1 Cusec = 28.3 liters
Cumec: 1 Cumec = 1000 liters

Water Measurement Methods

Orifices & Weirs: Used for measuring flow in streams and irrigation channels.
Parshall Flume: Effective for shallow irrigation channels.

Crop Plant Density

Plant density can vary by crop type and variety; e.g., cotton requires between 18,518 and 55,555 plants per hectare based on type.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Drill Sowing

Advantages: Reduces seed quantity and allows for simultaneous application of fertilizers and amendments.
Disadvantages: Labor-intensive, time-consuming, and higher cost.

Transplanting

Process: Involves raising seedlings on nursery beds before transplanting into the field.
Timing: Seedlings should be 1/4th of the overall crop duration.
Crop Examples: Common in paddy, vegetables, and fruits.
Advantages: Optimizes plant populations and reduces management requirements in the main field.
Disadvantages: Expensive and labor-intensive.

Crop Geometries

Broadcasting: Results in irregular spacing and resource inefficiencies.
Square Geometry: Plants are spaced evenly, increasing light availability and enhancing mechanization.
Rectangular Method: Features rows and columns with varied spacings; primarily for annual crops.

Terminology

Nominal Duty: Area to be irrigated compared to mean supply discharge.
Kor Watering: Refers to initial watering specifics for crop growth.
Base Period: Total duration of crop cultivation including all irrigation phases.
Delta (Δ): Total water depth required by a crop expressed in centimeters.

Water Use Efficiency

Finger Millet shows the highest water use efficiency at 13.4 kg/ha mm, while rice has the lowest at 3.7 kg/ha mm.

Development of Irrigation and Rainfall

Rainfall: Defined as precipitation with drops larger than 0.5 mm; critical for agricultural water supply.

Germination

Definition: Process of seed sprouting into a plant.
Types:
- Epigeal: Cotyledons above the ground (e.g., beans, castor).
- Hypogeal: Cotyledons remain below the soil (e.g., maize, groundnut).

Plant Population

Identifies optimal plant numbers for maximum output; excess can reduce overall biomass.

Intercultural Operations

Thinning and Gap Filling: Address planting gaps within 15 days of sowing.
Earthing Up: Performed 6-8 weeks post-sowing to support crop growth.

Depth of Ploughing

Recommended ploughing depth varies from 12 to 20 cm based on crop root zones.

Root Depth of Field Crops

Ranges from 30 cm for shallow-rooted crops to 90 cm for deep-rooted species like cotton and maize.

Plant Population and Spacing (According to TNAU)

Different rice varieties have specific plant populations and spacing requirements, ranging from 3,33,000 to 6,66,666 plants per hectare.

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Description

Test your knowledge on various sowing methods, including broadcasting, the most widely used method in India. This quiz covers the definition, method, and best practices for seed treatment. Challenge yourself to understand these essential agricultural techniques.