Husbandry of Cereals - SS1 Agriculture Past Questions and Answers - page 2

Conducting a soil test is crucial because it helps determine the current nutrient levels and pH of the soil. This information is vital for making informed decisions about fertilizer application. By knowing the soil's nutrient status, farmers can avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the environment and waste resources, or under-fertilization, which can lead to poor crop yields. Soil testing ensures that fertilizers are applied in the right quantities and types, optimizing crop growth and minimizing environmental impacts.

Rice is typically transplanted into flooded fields after being germinated in nurseries, while maize is directly sown into the soil. Rice requires standing water for a significant portion of its growth, whereas maize is grown in well-drained fields. The planting depth for rice is shallow, about 1 to 2 inches, as it's transplanted, whereas maize seeds are sown deeper, typically 1 to 2 inches. These differences are mainly due to the distinct water requirements and growth habits of these two cereal crops.

Sorghum is well-suited to arid and semi-arid regions due to its drought tolerance. It thrives in areas with temperatures between 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C) and requires minimal rainfall compared to other cereals. Sorghum can adapt to various soil types, from sandy to clayey, but it performs best in well-drained soils with good organic matter content. Its ability to grow in less fertile soils makes it a valuable crop in regions with soil challenges.

Harvesting millet can be labor-intensive, as it is often done by hand using sickles or small machines. Millet grains are small and can be easily lost during harvesting. Additionally, threshing and winnowing millet can be challenging due to the small size of the grains. Processing millet to remove the outer husk can also be time-consuming. Proper storage is crucial for millet, as it is susceptible to moisture and pests, which can reduce the quality and market value of the crop.

Crop rotation is a sustainable farming practice that involves growing different crops in sequential seasons or years on the same land. For cereal crops, such as maize, sorghum, rice, and millet, crop rotation offers several benefits:

Disease and Pest Control: Crop rotation can disrupt the life cycles of pests and pathogens specific to certain cereals, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Nutrient Management: Different crops have varying nutrient requirements. Crop rotation allows the soil to recover and replenish nutrients that may have been depleted by a previous crop.

Improved Soil Health: Different crops with diverse root structures and nutrient uptake patterns can enhance soil structure, reduce soil erosion, and increase organic matter content.

Weed Suppression: Some crop rotations can naturally suppress weed growth, reducing the need for herbicides.