- Dryland agriculture refers to crop production in areas receiving:
a) More than 1500 mm rainfall
b) 750-1150 mm rainfall
c) Less than 500 mm rainfall
d) 500-750 mm rainfall
Answer: b) 750-1150 mm rainfall
*Explanation: Dryland agriculture is practiced in areas with 750-1150 mm annual rainfall. Rainfed agriculture covers both dryland (750-1150 mm) and rainfed farming (>1150 mm). Areas with less than 500 mm rainfall are considered arid and require special techniques.*
- The most critical factor limiting crop production in dryland areas is:
a) Low soil fertility
b) Moisture stress
c) Pest incidence
d) High temperature
Answer: b) Moisture stress
Explanation: In dryland agriculture, moisture availability is the primary limiting factor. Erratic and insufficient rainfall leads to moisture stress during critical crop growth stages, severely affecting yields. All other factors are secondary.
- The technique of leaving the land uncultivated for one or more seasons to conserve moisture is called:
a) Crop rotation
b) Fallowing
c) Mulching
d) Contour farming
Answer: b) Fallowing
Explanation: Fallowing involves keeping land without a crop for one or more seasons to accumulate and conserve soil moisture for the subsequent crop. It’s a traditional practice in dryland areas where rainfall is insufficient for annual cropping.
- Which of the following is a drought-escaping mechanism in crops?
a) Deep root system
b) Early maturing varieties
c) Thick cuticle
d) Stomatal closure
Answer: b) Early maturing varieties
Explanation: Drought escaping involves completing the life cycle before severe moisture stress develops. Early maturing varieties allow crops to mature in a shorter period, utilizing available soil moisture before it is depleted. Deep roots, thick cuticle, and stomatal closure are drought tolerance mechanisms.
- The practice of maintaining a rough soil surface through tillage to trap rainfall and reduce runoff is called:
a) Mulching
b) Contour farming
c) Rough tillage
d) Basin listing
Answer: c) Rough tillage
Explanation: Rough tillage (or cloddy tillage) involves creating a rough soil surface with clods and depressions that trap rainfall, increase infiltration, and reduce runoff. This is especially beneficial in vertisols that crack and seal upon drying.
- The watershed is best defined as:
a) A river basin
b) A hydrological unit where all runoff drains to a common point
c) An irrigation command area
d) A forest area
Answer: b) A hydrological unit where all runoff drains to a common point
Explanation: A watershed is a geo-hydrological unit that drains to a common point (stream, river, lake). It’s the ideal unit for planning soil and water conservation measures, as all activities within a watershed affect its hydrology.
- Which of the following is an in-situ moisture conservation practice?
a) Farm ponds
b) Check dams
c) Contour bunding
d) Percolation tanks
Answer: c) Contour bunding
Explanation: Contour bunding involves constructing earthen bunds along contour lines to impound water and increase infiltration (in-situ conservation). Farm ponds, check dams, and percolation tanks are ex-situ measures that store runoff water outside fields.
- Dead furrows in dryland agriculture are:
a) Furrows that are not used
b) Deep furrows left after harvest
c) Furrows opened at intervals across the slope
d) Furrows along the slope
Answer: c) Furrows opened at intervals across the slope
Explanation: Dead furrows are temporary furrows opened at intervals across the slope (across cultivation direction) to intercept and retain runoff water, allowing more time for infiltration. They’re “dead” because no crop is planted in them.
- The system of growing crops in alternate strips across the slope is called:
a) Contour farming
b) Strip cropping
c) Terrace farming
d) Mulching
Answer: b) Strip cropping
Explanation: Strip cropping involves growing erosion-permitting crops (like sorghum, maize) in alternate strips with erosion-resisting crops (like grasses, legumes) across the slope. The strips reduce runoff velocity and trap eroded soil from upper strips.
- Which of the following crops is most suitable for dryland farming?
a) Rice
b) Sugarcane
c) Pearlmillet (Bajra)
d) Banana
Answer: c) Pearlmillet (Bajra)
Explanation: Pearlmillet (bajra) is highly drought-tolerant and well-adapted to dryland conditions with low and erratic rainfall. It has deep root system, low water requirement, and can withstand moisture stress better than rice, sugarcane, or banana.
- The practice of interposing a quick-growing crop between two main crops in rotation is called:
a) Catch cropping
b) Relay cropping
c) Intercropping
d) Sequence cropping
Answer: a) Catch cropping
Explanation: Catch cropping involves growing a fast-growing crop (often fodder or green manure) in the short period between two main crops to utilize residual moisture and nutrients. It’s a “catch” crop that catches the otherwise fallow period.
- The most effective soil conservation measure on steep slopes (above 30%) is:
a) Contour farming
b) Strip cropping
c) Terracing
d) Mulching
Answer: c) Terracing
Explanation: On steep slopes (>30%), terracing is the most effective measure. It converts steep land into level steps, reducing slope length and gradient, thereby controlling runoff and erosion. Bench terraces are common for steep slopes in hill areas.
- The moisture conservation practice of covering soil surface with crop residues is called:
a) Mulching
b) Ploughing
c) Fallowing
d) Bunding
Answer: a) Mulching
Explanation: Mulching involves covering soil surface with organic materials (straw, leaves) or inorganic materials (plastic) to reduce evaporation, control soil temperature, suppress weeds, and improve water infiltration. It’s an excellent in-situ moisture conservation practice.
- Which of the following is a mechanical measure for soil and water conservation?
a) Mulching
b) Contour farming
c) Gully plugging
d) Strip cropping
Answer: c) Gully plugging
Explanation: Gully plugging (check dams, loose boulder structures) is a mechanical measure to control gully erosion. Mulching, contour farming, and strip cropping are agronomic/biological measures. Mechanical measures involve engineering structures.
- The amount of water stored in the root zone at the time of sowing that is available to the crop is called:
a) Profile moisture
b) Available soil moisture
c) Moisture adequacy index
d) Effective rainfall
Answer: a) Profile moisture
Explanation: Profile moisture (or stored soil moisture) is the amount of water present in the soil profile at sowing time that’s available for crop use. In dryland farming, this stored moisture is critical for crop establishment and growth, especially during dry spells.
- The water harvesting technique where runoff from a catchment area is collected and used for supplemental irrigation is called:
a) In-situ conservation
b) Runoff farming
c) Watershed management
d) Sprinkler irrigation
Answer: b) Runoff farming
Explanation: Runoff farming (or water harvesting) involves collecting runoff from a catchment area (uncropped or naturally vegetated) and using it for supplemental irrigation of crops in a smaller cultivated area. It’s common in arid regions.
- The ideal time for sowing in dryland areas is:
a) Before onset of monsoon
b) After onset of monsoon
c) At the optimum time to utilize initial moisture
d) Any time during monsoon
Answer: c) At the optimum time to utilize initial moisture
Explanation: In dryland farming, sowing must be timed to utilize the initial soil moisture from early rains for germination and establishment. Delayed sowing exposes crops to terminal drought, while too early sowing may fail if rains are insufficient.
- Which of the following is NOT a component of watershed management?
a) Soil and water conservation
b) Crop management
c) Urban development
d) Afforestation
Answer: c) Urban development
Explanation: Watershed management includes soil and water conservation measures, crop management, afforestation/horticulture, livestock management, and community participation. Urban development is not a component; watersheds are typically rural/agricultural areas.
- The practice of opening deep furrows (30-40 cm) at 5-10 meter intervals across the slope in black soils is called:
a) Compartmental bunding
b) Broad bed and furrow
c) Graded bunding
d) Conservation furrows
Answer: d) Conservation furrows
Explanation: Conservation furrows (or compartmental bunding) involves opening deep furrows at intervals across the slope in black soils to impound water, enhance infiltration, and control runoff. This is especially effective in vertisols with low infiltration rates.
- The critical dryland technology that ensures moisture availability at sowing time in deep black soils is:
a) Mulching
b) Pre-monsoon dry seeding
c) Summer ploughing
d) Ridge and furrow system
Answer: b) Pre-monsoon dry seeding
Explanation: Pre-monsoon dry seeding involves sowing seeds in dry soil before monsoon rains, using the first shower for germination. This ensures timely sowing and better utilization of early rains, especially important in deep black soils for crops like sorghum and cotton.
- The ratio of actual evapotranspiration to potential evapotranspiration is called:
a) Moisture index
b) Aridity index
c) Crop coefficient
d) Moisture adequacy index
Answer: d) Moisture adequacy index
*Explanation: Moisture adequacy index (MAI) = Actual ET / Potential ET. It indicates the degree to which atmospheric moisture demand is met. MAI values close to 1 indicate no moisture stress, while lower values indicate increasing moisture stress for crops.*
- The practice of “khanpur” or “dokra” in Madhya Pradesh refers to:
a) A type of plough
b) A water harvesting structure
c) A crop variety
d) A weeding tool
Answer: b) A water harvesting structure
Explanation: “Khanpur” or “dokra” are traditional water harvesting structures in Madhya Pradesh and surrounding areas – small earthen embankments built across drainage lines to collect runoff water for irrigation or livestock use.
- The concept of “more crop per drop” relates to:
a) Increasing irrigation area
b) Improving water use efficiency
c) Using more water for crops
d) Drip irrigation only
Answer: b) Improving water use efficiency
Explanation: “More crop per drop” emphasizes increasing agricultural productivity per unit of water used. It involves improving water use efficiency through better irrigation methods, crop selection, moisture conservation, and agronomic practices.
- Which of the following is an antitranspirant?
a) Urea
b) Kaolin
c) DAP
d) Gypsum
Answer: b) Kaolin
Explanation: Kaolin (white clay) is a film-forming antitranspirant that reflects solar radiation, reducing leaf temperature and transpiration rate. It’s sprayed on crops to reduce water loss under moisture stress conditions. Other antitranspirants include phenylmercuric acetate and wax emulsions.
- The most suitable cropping system for dryland agriculture is:
a) Intercropping with drought-tolerant crops
b) High-intensity multiple cropping
c) Monocropping of high-yielding varieties
d) Relay cropping of water-intensive crops
Answer: a) Intercropping with drought-tolerant crops
Explanation: Intercropping with drought-tolerant crops (like sorghum + pigeonpea, pearl millet + cowpea) is most suitable for drylands. It provides yield stability, reduces risk of total crop failure, and optimizes resource use under limited and uncertain rainfall.
- The scientific study of seeds including their production, processing, storage, and testing is called:
a) Agronomy
b) Seed technology
c) Horticulture
d) Plant breeding
Answer: b) Seed technology
Explanation: Seed technology encompasses all aspects of seed from production to marketing, including variety development, seed multiplication, processing, storage, quality testing, certification, and distribution. It bridges plant breeding and agronomy.
- The process of treating seeds with chemicals to protect them from seed-borne pathogens is called:
a) Seed hardening
b) Seed inoculation
c) Seed dressing
d) Seed priming
Answer: c) Seed dressing
Explanation: Seed dressing (or seed treatment) involves applying fungicides, insecticides, or biological agents to seeds to control seed-borne diseases and protect germinating seeds from soil-borne pathogens. Common seed dressings include carbendazim, thiram, and Trichoderma.
- The viability of seeds is tested by:
a) Germination test
b) Moisture test
c) Purity test
d) Physical test
Answer: a) Germination test
Explanation: Germination test determines the percentage of seeds that produce normal seedlings under optimal conditions, indicating seed viability. It’s the most important test for seed quality, conducted under controlled temperature, moisture, and light.
- Which of the following is a physical method of seed treatment?
a) Fungicide application
b) Insecticide application
c) Hot water treatment
d) Bioagent application
Answer: c) Hot water treatment
*Explanation: Hot water treatment involves immersing seeds in hot water at specific temperatures (usually 50-55°C) for a set time to kill seed-borne pathogens without damaging the seed. It’s a physical method, while chemical and biological treatments use fungicides/insecticides or beneficial organisms.*
- The optimum moisture content for safe storage of cereal seeds is:
a) 5-6%
b) 10-12%
c) 15-18%
d) 20-25%
Answer: b) 10-12%
*Explanation: Cereal seeds should be dried to 10-12% moisture for safe storage. Higher moisture leads to fungal growth, heating, and loss of viability. Oilseeds require even lower moisture (8-9%) due to their high oil content which is prone to rancidity.*
- The depth of sowing seeds primarily depends on:
a) Seed size
b) Soil type
c) Moisture condition
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
*Explanation: Sowing depth is determined by seed size (larger seeds can emerge from deeper depths), soil type (lighter soils allow deeper sowing), and moisture conditions (deeper sowing in dry conditions to reach moisture). General rule: sow at 3-4 times seed diameter.*
- The process of exposing seeds to alternating wet and dry cycles before sowing to induce drought tolerance is called:
a) Seed hardening
b) Seed priming
c) Seed coating
d) Seed pelleting
Answer: a) Seed hardening
Explanation: Seed hardening involves soaking seeds in water (or chemical solutions) for a specific period, then drying them back to original moisture. This pre-sowing treatment induces physiological changes that improve germination, seedling vigor, and stress tolerance, especially under dryland conditions.
- Certified seed is the progeny of:
a) Breeder seed
b) Foundation seed
c) Registered seed
d) Truthfully labeled seed
Answer: b) Foundation seed
Explanation: Seed multiplication follows a generation system: Breeder seed → Foundation seed → Registered seed → Certified seed. Certified seed is produced from foundation or registered seed and meets certification standards for genetic purity and quality.
- The system of sowing where seeds are placed in holes or pockets at regular intervals is called:
a) Broadcasting
b) Drilling
c) Dibbling
d) Transplanting
Answer: c) Dibbling
*Explanation: Dibbling involves placing seeds in holes or pockets made at regular intervals and depths. It ensures uniform spacing, saves seed (10-15 kg/ha for maize vs 20-25 kg in drilling), and facilitates intercultural operations. Common for maize, cotton, groundnut.*
- The seed rate required per hectare is highest for:
a) Wheat
b) Rice (direct sown)
c) Peas
d) Sunflower
Answer: a) Wheat
*Explanation: Among these, wheat requires the highest seed rate (100-125 kg/ha) due to its small seed size and need for higher plant population. Direct sown rice requires 60-80 kg/ha, peas 80-100 kg/ha, and sunflower 8-10 kg/ha (larger seeds but lower population).*
- The ideal seedbed for small-seeded crops like tobacco and mustard should be:
a) Rough and cloddy
b) Fine and firm
c) Loose and fluffy
d) Waterlogged
Answer: b) Fine and firm
Explanation: Small seeds require a fine, firm seedbed for good soil-seed contact, ensuring uniform moisture uptake and germination. A loose, fluffy seedbed would allow seeds to settle too deep or have poor contact. Rough seedbeds are for large seeds and drylands.
- The term “1000-grain weight” is a measure of:
a) Seed viability
b) Seed vigor
c) Seed size
d) Seed purity
Answer: c) Seed size
*Explanation: 1000-grain weight (test weight) measures the mass of 1000 seeds and indicates seed size and filling. It’s an important quality parameter – heavier seeds generally have more food reserves, leading to better seedling vigor and establishment.*
- Seed rate adjustment is necessary when sowing is delayed because:
a) Germination percentage decreases
b) Tillering capacity reduces
c) Seed size changes
d) Pest incidence increases
Answer: b) Tillering capacity reduces
Explanation: When sowing is delayed, crops (especially cereals like wheat) have less time for tillering and vegetative growth. Higher seed rates compensate by increasing plant population, maintaining adequate yield potential despite reduced tillering per plant.
- Which of the following is NOT a benefit of seed treatment?
a) Protection from seed-borne diseases
b) Protection from soil-borne pathogens
c) Improvement in seed size
d) Enhanced germination
Answer: c) Improvement in seed size
Explanation: Seed treatment protects seeds from pathogens and can enhance germination, but it does not change the physical size of seeds. Seed size is determined by genetics and growing conditions during seed production, not by post-harvest treatments.
- The process of placing seeds in a solution of nutrients or growth regulators before sowing is called:
a) Seed hardening
b) Seed priming
c) Seed coating
d) Seed soaking
Answer: b) Seed priming
Explanation: Seed priming involves controlled hydration of seeds in solutions (water, nutrients, or growth regulators) to initiate pre-germination metabolic processes, then drying back to allow normal handling. This improves germination rate, uniformity, and stress tolerance.
- The minimum germination percentage required for certified wheat seed in India is:
a) 70%
b) 75%
c) 85%
d) 95%
Answer: c) 85%
Explanation: Indian seed certification standards require minimum 85% germination for certified wheat seed. Different crops have different standards: paddy 80%, maize 90%, groundnut 70%, etc. These ensure farmers receive quality planting material.
- The practice of sowing seeds by dropping behind the plough is called:
a) Broadcasting
b) Drilling
c) Dibbling
d) Kera method
Answer: d) Kera method
Explanation: Kera (or pora) method is a traditional sowing technique where seeds are dropped manually into the furrow opened by the plough. The next ploughing covers the seeds. It’s common for crops like wheat, gram, and peas in many parts of India.
- The spacing between rows and plants is determined by:
a) Crop species
b) Variety
c) Soil fertility
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Plant spacing depends on crop species (growth habit, canopy spread), variety (tall vs dwarf), soil fertility (wider spacing in fertile soils), and purpose (fodder vs grain). Optimum spacing ensures adequate resources for each plant without competition.
- The “seed replacement rate” refers to:
a) Rate at which seeds are sold
b) Percentage of area sown with certified seed instead of farm-saved seed
c) Speed of seed germination
d) Rate of seed multiplication
Answer: b) Percentage of area sown with certified seed instead of farm-saved seed
Explanation: Seed replacement rate (SRR) is the percentage of total cropped area sown using certified/quality seeds rather than farm-saved seeds. Higher SRR indicates better adoption of improved varieties and quality seed, leading to higher productivity.
- Which method of sowing is most suitable for crops like paddy that are first grown in nursery and then transplanted?
a) Direct seeding
b) Transplanting
c) Dibbling
d) Broadcasting
Answer: b) Transplanting
Explanation: Transplanting involves growing seedlings in a nursery and then planting them in the main field. It’s common for rice, vegetables, tobacco, and some flowers. Advantages include better crop stand, efficient land use, and easier management during early growth.
- The ideal seed size for precision planters should be:
a) Highly variable
b) Uniform in size and shape
c) Very small
d) Very large
Answer: b) Uniform in size and shape
Explanation: Precision planters (like vacuum planters) require seeds of uniform size and shape for accurate singulation and placement. Graded or pelleted seeds ensure each seed is picked up and dropped accurately at desired spacing.
- Seed pelleting involves:
a) Coating seeds with fungicides only
b) Coating seeds with inert materials to improve size and shape
c) Soaking seeds in water
d) Drying seeds at high temperature
Answer: b) Coating seeds with inert materials to improve size and shape
Explanation: Seed pelleting involves coating seeds with inert materials (clay, sand, polymers) to improve size uniformity, shape, and weight for precision planting. It may also include nutrients, growth regulators, or protectants. Common for small, irregular seeds.
- The phenomenon of reduced germination due to seeds being stored for too long is called:
a) Seed dormancy
b) Seed deterioration
c) Seed priming
d) Seed hardening
Answer: b) Seed deterioration
Explanation: Seed deterioration is the irreversible loss of seed quality, viability, and vigor over time due to aging processes (membrane damage, enzyme degradation, DNA damage). It’s accelerated by high temperature, humidity, and mechanical damage.
- The most critical factor affecting seed longevity during storage is:
a) Seed color
b) Seed size
c) Moisture and temperature
d) Seed shape
Answer: c) Moisture and temperature
Explanation: Seed longevity during storage is primarily determined by seed moisture content and storage temperature (Harrington’s rule: each 1% reduction in moisture doubles seed life; each 5°C reduction in temperature doubles seed life). Low moisture and cool temperatures maximize storage life.
- The seed act in India was passed in the year:
a) 1947
b) 1966
c) 1985
d) 2001
Answer: b) 1966
Explanation: The Seeds Act was passed in India in 1966 to provide legal framework for seed quality control, certification, and regulation. It established seed certification agencies, notified varieties, and minimum quality standards for seed sales.
