Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): The ideal soil for groundnut is well-drained, light-coloured, loose, and clay soils with high organic matter content.
Statement (II): The soil that facilitates easy peg penetration and proper pod development is suitable for groundnut cultivation.
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:

Since groundnut pods grow underground, they require light, loose sandy-loam soils to allow easy "pegging". Heavy clay soils restrict pod growth and make harvesting difficult.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is a unique crop because its flowers are aerial, but its pods develop underground.
This underground podding habit demands specific physical soil conditions.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the two statements:

• Statement (I): Groundnut grows best in well-drained, light-textured, loose, sandy loam or loamy soils. Clay soils are highly unsuitable for groundnut because they crack when dry, become waterlogged when wet, restrict underground pod development, and make harvesting (lifting) very difficult, resulting in pod loss. Thus, specifying clay soils as ideal is incorrect.

• Statement (II): After fertilization, the flower stalk elongates downwards to form a "peg" which penetrates into the soil to develop the pod. Loose, friable, and sandy soils offer minimal mechanical resistance, facilitating easy peg penetration and proper pod enlargement. Thus, Statement (II) is correct.

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