Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Deeper sowing is advantageous in heavy soils whereas shallow sowing is recommended in light soils.
Statement (II): Seeds which germinate through epigeal germination should not be sown deep as it results in poor germination.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

Always associate epigeal germination (cotyledons coming above ground) with shallow sowing to facilitate easy physical emergence of the cotyledons.
Heavy soils always require shallower sowing compared to sandy (light) soils.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Seed sowing depth is determined by soil physical properties (soil texture) and the mode of seed germination (epigeal vs. hypogeal).
Optimizing depth ensures sufficient contact with moisture and oxygen while allowing the seedling to emerge easily without exhausting its stored food reserves.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement (I) claims that deeper sowing is advantageous in heavy soils whereas shallow sowing is recommended in light soils.
This statement is incorrect.
Heavy clay soils hold water longer, possess poor aeration, and easily form a hard surface crust upon drying.
If seeds are sown too deep in heavy soils, they fail to get enough oxygen, or the emerging plumule cannot penetrate the crust.
Therefore, shallow sowing is recommended in heavy soils.
Conversely, light sandy soils dry out rapidly at the surface.
To ensure seeds stay in contact with adequate moisture, deeper sowing is recommended in light soils.
Statement (II) states that seeds with epigeal germination should not be sown deep.
This statement is correct.
In epigeal germination, the hypocotyl elongates rapidly and pushes the cotyledons above the soil surface.
If these seeds are sown too deeply, the hypocotyl must exert a high force over a long distance to reach the surface, which often depletes seed energy reserves, leading to seedling death or poor emergence.
Hence, Statement (I) is incorrect and Statement (II) is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.