CAC Crop & Soil Management — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which soil component is primarily responsible for retaining moisture and nutrients?
- Sand
- Clay (Correct answer)
- Silt
- Gravel
Correct answer: Clay
Clay particles have high water and nutrient retention capacity, making them essential for soil fertility.
Question 2: What is the primary benefit of crop rotation in soil management?
- Increases soil erosion
- Enhances soil fertility and reduces pests (Correct answer)
- Depletes soil nutrients
- Prevents water retention
Correct answer: Enhances soil fertility and reduces pests
Crop rotation improves soil fertility, reduces pests and diseases, and enhances nutrient cycling.
Question 3: Which soil pH level is generally considered optimal for most crops?
- 4.5 - 5.5
- 6.0 - 7.0 (Correct answer)
- 8.0 - 9.0
- 7.5 - 8.5
Correct answer: 6.0 - 7.0
A pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for most crops as it allows for optimal nutrient availability.
Question 4: Which practice is used to prevent soil erosion in sloped agricultural land?
- Strip tilling
- Contour plowing (Correct answer)
- Mono-cropping
- Broadcast seeding
Correct answer: Contour plowing
Contour plowing follows the natural curves of the land to reduce runoff and prevent soil erosion.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of cover cropping?
- Increase pesticide use
- Reduce soil erosion and enhance soil quality (Correct answer)
- Accelerate soil depletion
- Reduce water absorption
Correct answer: Reduce soil erosion and enhance soil quality
Cover crops help prevent soil erosion, improve soil structure, and increase organic matter.
Question 6: Which macronutrient is most responsible for plant growth and chlorophyll production?
- Potassium
- Nitrogen (Correct answer)
- Phosphorus
- Calcium
Correct answer: Nitrogen
Nitrogen is essential for chlorophyll production and plant growth, making it a key macronutrient in agriculture.
Which soil component is primarily responsible for retaining moisture and nutrients?