Agronomy Crop Production and Management

Question 1

What is the term for the number of days from planting to physiological maturity in corn?

Accepted Answer

Relative maturity rating

Answer

Relative maturity (RM) rating estimates the number of days for a corn hybrid to reach maturity under standard growing conditions.

Question 2

Which cropping system plants two or more crops simultaneously in the same field?

Accepted Answer

Intercropping

Answer

Intercropping grows two or more crops together in the same field at the same time to maximize land use and diversity.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a cover crop in an agronomic rotation?

Accepted Answer

Protect and improve soil between cash crop seasons

Answer

Cover crops are grown between cash crop seasons to reduce erosion, add organic matter, and suppress weeds.

Question 4

The R1 growth stage in soybeans corresponds to what developmental event?

Accepted Answer

Beginning of flowering

Answer

R1 in soybeans marks the beginning of flowering, when the first open flower appears at any node on the main stem.

Question 5

What is the recommended corn plant population for most US Corn Belt fields (plants per acre)?

Accepted Answer

32,000–36,000

Answer

Most Corn Belt hybrids are planted at 32,000–36,000 seeds per acre to balance yield potential and resource use.

Agronomy Practice Test