Question

What is the seed rate of wheat in rainfed agriculture ?

• A. 100 kg/ha
• B. 125 kg/ha
• C. 80 kg/ha
• D. 150 kg/ha

Hint:

Wheat Seed Rates Summary:
- Normal Irrigated: $100\text{ kg/ha}$.
- Rainfed Late Sown Bold Seeded: $125\text{ kg/ha}$.
- Zero Tillage Sowing: $100--125\text{ kg/ha}$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the recommended seed rate (in kg/ha) for wheat sown under rainfed (barani) farming conditions.

Step 2: Key Principles of Seed Rate Determition in Wheat:

• Normal Irrigated Sowing: $100\text{ kg/ha}$ (for timely sown irrigated wheat).

• Rainfed Late Sown Conditions: $125\text{ kg/ha}$ (higher by 25%).

• Reason for Higher Rate in Rainfed Sowing:
• Sub-optimal soil moisture at sowing depth leads to reduced seed germition percentage.
• Tillering capability per plant is lower under moisture-stressed conditions.
• Higher plant density compensates for reduced tillers per plant.

Step 3: Detailed Explation:

• In rainfed agriculture, residual soil moisture from the monsoon depletes rapidly in the topsoil layer during October--November.

• To ensure an adequate plant population, the seeding rate is raised from $100\text{ kg/ha}$ to $125\text{ kg/ha}$.

• Bold-seeded varieties or late-sown irrigated wheat also use $125\text{ kg/ha}$.

Step 4: Fil Answer:
The recommended seed rate for wheat under rainfed conditions is $125\text{ kg/ha}$. Hence, option (B) is correct.