Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Seed rate refers to the amount of seed required to plant one hectare of land to achieve the optimum plant population.
It depends heavily on seed size, test weight, germination percentage, and spacing requirements of the crop.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the standard seed rates for each of the pulse crops listed:
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is typically grown at wider spacings, and has a relatively low seed rate of 12--15 kg/ha.
Thus, (A) matches with (IV).
Field pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense) requires a high plant density, translating to a seed rate of 75--80 kg/ha.
Thus, (B) matches with (III).
Cow pea (Vigna unguiculata), when grown for grain or dual purposes, has a seed rate of 25--30 kg/ha.
Thus, (C) matches with (I).
Chick pea (Cicer arietinum) is bold-seeded, especially the Kabuli types, and requires a high seed rate of 70--100 kg/ha to maintain the required plant density.
Thus, (D) matches with (II).
Combining these matches, we get: (A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(II).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct match is (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (II).