Haryana BSEH Secondary NSQF Agriculture key terms

The relative proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in a soil. It controls water holding, drainage, aeration, and how easily roots and tillage tools move through the soil.

A balanced soil mixture of sand, silt, and clay that holds moisture well while draining freely and staying workable. It is generally considered the most desirable texture for most field and vegetable crops.

The way soil particles clump together into aggregates, creating pore spaces for air and water. Good structure supports root growth, resists erosion, and improves infiltration compared with compacted or powdery soil.

A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity on a 0 to 14 scale. It strongly affects nutrient availability, so crops such as most cereals prefer near-neutral soils while others tolerate acidic or alkaline conditions.

Laboratory analysis of soil samples to estimate pH, organic matter, and available nutrients. Results guide fertiliser doses and amendments so that inputs match crop needs and avoid waste or pollution.

The amount of liming material needed to raise soil pH to a target level for a chosen crop. It is calculated from soil test results and neutralises acidity that otherwise limits nutrient uptake.

The water content a soil holds after excess water has drained away by gravity. Irrigation scheduling often aims to refill soil to field capacity before moisture falls to the wilting point.

The detachment and removal of topsoil by wind or water. It reduces fertility, silts up channels, and is controlled through contour farming, cover crops, bunds, and reduced tillage.

Supplying crop nutrients through a planned combination of organic manures, chemical fertilisers, and biological sources to match crop demand while protecting soil health and reducing input costs.

A nutrient-rich organic manure produced by earthworms breaking down crop residues and dung. It improves soil structure and moisture retention and is widely used in organic and nursery production.

A crop grown specifically to be ploughed into the soil while still green, adding organic matter and nutrients. Legume species also fix atmospheric nitrogen, benefiting the following crop.

Growing different crops in sequence on the same field over seasons. It interrupts pest and disease cycles, balances nutrient use, and helps maintain soil structure and organic matter.

The quantity of seed sown per unit area to achieve the recommended plant population. It depends on seed size, germination percentage, spacing, and the sowing method used.

The process by which a viable seed absorbs water, resumes growth, and produces a seedling. It requires adequate moisture, suitable temperature, and oxygen, and is measured as a percentage in seed testing.

Coating or soaking seed with fungicides, insecticides, or bio-agents before sowing to protect against seed-borne and soil-borne pathogens and early insect attack.

How deep seed is placed in the soil. Too shallow risks drying out and bird damage; too deep exhausts seed reserves. Depth is matched to seed size and soil moisture.

Moving seedlings raised in a nursery into the main field at the correct age and spacing. It allows better crop establishment, uniform stands, and earlier field preparation for vegetables and paddy.

Growing seedlings in a protected, well-managed bed or tray before field planting. It saves expensive seed, allows selection of healthy seedlings, and shortens the crop's time in the main field.

Deliberate removal of branches, shoots, or roots to shape a plant, improve light penetration, remove diseased wood, and balance vegetative growth with fruit production in orchards and vines.

A decision-based approach that combines monitoring, cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods, using pesticides only when thresholds are crossed, to control pests economically with minimal harm.

The pest population density at which control measures are justified because further increase would cause economic loss exceeding the cost of treatment. It prevents unnecessary spraying.

Using living organisms such as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens to suppress pest populations. It is a core component of integrated pest management and reduces reliance on chemical sprays.

The inherited ability of a pest population to survive doses of a pesticide that would normally kill it, developing after repeated exposure. Rotating chemical groups and integrating other methods slow its onset.

The approved information panel on a pesticide container stating active ingredient, target pests, dose, pre-harvest interval, safety precautions, and first aid. Following it is legally required and protects users and consumers.

The minimum number of days that must pass between the last pesticide application and harvesting the crop. Respecting it keeps residues within permitted limits and protects consumers.

Gear such as gloves, mask, goggles, boots, and apron worn while handling pesticides, fertilisers, or machinery. It reduces exposure to chemicals, dust, and physical injury on the farm.

The first, deeper cultivation operation that breaks up soil and buries residues, usually with a mouldboard or disc plough. It opens the soil for seedbed preparation and root penetration.

Shallow operations such as harrowing and levelling performed after primary tillage to break clods, mix soil, and create a fine, level seedbed suitable for uniform sowing.

Cultivation systems that leave a significant portion of crop residue on the soil surface and minimise soil disturbance. They reduce erosion, conserve moisture, and lower fuel and labour use.

Ploughing across a slope along lines of equal elevation rather than up and down it. The resulting ridges slow runoff and reduce soil loss on undulating land.

Deciding when and how much water to apply, based on crop stage, soil moisture, and weather. Good scheduling avoids water stress while preventing over-irrigation, waterlogging, and nutrient leaching.

Applying water slowly and directly to the root zone through emitters in tubes or drippers. It saves water, limits weed growth between rows, and allows fertigation with high application efficiency.

The amount of crop yield or biomass produced per unit of water applied or consumed. It rises with efficient methods such as drip irrigation, mulching, and timely scheduling.

Covering the soil surface with crop residue, plastic film, or other material to reduce evaporation, suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature, and protect the surface from erosion.

A feed mixture that supplies all required nutrients in the correct proportions for a given animal's age, weight, and production level. It supports health, growth, and milk yield without waste.

The first thick, antibody-rich milk produced after calving. Feeding it to newborn calves within the first hours of life is essential for immunity and survival.

The quantity of milk an animal produces over a stated period, such as per day or per lactation. It is influenced by breed, feed, health, and management, and is the main economic measure in dairying.

The total expenditure incurred in raising a crop, including seed, fertiliser, irrigation, labour, machinery, and interest. It is compared with gross returns to judge profitability.

Gross returns from a crop or enterprise minus its variable costs. It helps farmers compare enterprises and plan which crops or livestock activities deserve more resources.

The amount a buyer pays for a farm product at a given place and time, set by supply, demand, quality, and transport costs. Farmers use it to decide when and where to sell.

Starting and managing a farm-based or agri-allied business, such as a nursery, dairy unit, or custom machinery service, taking financial risk in return for profit and employment.