Agronomy MCQs

1. What is the most important factor affecting crop yield in dryland agriculture?
(A) Soil texture
(B) Irrigation practices
(C) Rainfall distribution
(D) Fertilizer application

2. Which of the following legumes is most commonly used as a cover crop in crop rotations to fix nitrogen in the soil?
(A) Soybean
(B) Peas
(C) Clover
(D) Alfalfa

3. In the process of crop breeding, which technique involves the selection of superior individuals from the offspring of crosses?
(A) Hybridization
(B) Selection
(C) Mutation breeding
(D) Tissue culture

4. Which soil nutrient is most commonly deficient in acidic soils, particularly in tropical regions?
(A) Nitrogen
(B) Phosphorus
(C) Potassium
(D) Calcium

5. What is the process by which roots grow toward water called?
(A) Hydrotropism
(B) Gravitropism
(C) Phototropism
(D) Thigmotropism

6. Which of the following crop management practices is most effective in controlling weeds in rice fields?
(A) Crop rotation
(B) Herbicide application
(C) Flooding the field
(D) Intercropping

7. What is the main objective of the “green revolution” in agronomy?
(A) Increase crop biodiversity
(B) Improve irrigation efficiency
(C) Enhance crop yields through improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation
(D) Promote organic farming methods

8. Which of the following is a primary factor in determining the planting density for a crop?
(A) Soil temperature
(B) Soil pH
(C) Water-holding capacity of the soil
(D) Growth habit and competition for resources

9. Which of the following crops is most tolerant of waterlogging conditions?
(A) Corn
(B) Wheat
(C) Rice
(D) Barley

10. Which of the following is a characteristic of a “short-day” plant?
(A) Requires long periods of light to flower
(B) Requires short periods of light to flower
(C) Flowers regardless of light duration
(D) Needs a constant temperature to flower

11. Which of the following is the most significant cause of soil erosion in agricultural fields?
(A) Deforestation
(B) Overgrazing
(C) Tillage practices
(D) Crop diversification

12. Which of the following is an example of a monoculture cropping system?
(A) Growing different crops in alternating rows
(B) Growing one crop in a field year after year
(C) Growing two or more crops in the same field at the same time
(D) Growing legumes and cereals in a crop rotation system

13. What is the primary function of a soil microorganism in agricultural soils?
(A) Decompose organic matter
(B) Compete with plants for nutrients
(C) Block soil pores
(D) Absorb excess water

14. Which of the following is a primary disadvantage of using synthetic pesticides in agronomy?
(A) They increase soil fertility
(B) They can lead to pesticide resistance in pests
(C) They improve crop quality
(D) They promote biodiversity

15. Which of the following is considered a “C4” crop?
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Sugarcane
(D) Barley