Crop Husbandry I - JSS3 Agricultural Science Past Questions and Answers - page 2

Ploughing is primarily aimed at loosening the soil to facilitate better aeration and water infiltration. It helps break down soil clumps, making it easier to create a suitable seedbed for planting. Additionally, ploughing can also help incorporate organic matter and nutrients into the soil, promoting healthy crop growth.

Transplanting involves growing seedlings in nurseries and then transferring them to the main field, whereas direct seeding involves sowing seeds directly into the field without transplanting. Transplanting allows for better control over seedling growth and spacing, while direct seeding is more straightforward but may result in uneven plant distribution.

Weed control methods include cultural, mechanical, and chemical approaches. Cultural methods involve practices like crop rotation and cover cropping to suppress weed growth. Mechanical methods, such as hoeing and hand weeding, physically remove weeds, while chemical methods use herbicides to control weed populations.

Harrowing helps break down soil clumps, level the surface, and prepare a suitable seedbed for planting. It improves soil tilth, which is crucial for seed germination and root development. Additionally, harrowing facilitates better soil aeration and water infiltration, contributing to overall crop productivity.

Ridging aims to create raised rows or beds in the soil, improving drainage and preventing waterlogging. It also helps in enhancing soil structure and reducing soil compaction, promoting healthier root growth and better nutrient uptake by plants. Additionally, ridging can facilitate better soil warming, especially in cooler climates, promoting early plant growth.