Maharashtra SSC Agriculture Pre-Voc/NSQF key terms

The branch of agriculture that deals with growing field crops and managing soil, water and nutrients to get good yields. It covers crop selection, sowing methods, spacing and harvesting practices.

The yearly sequence and arrangement of crops grown on a piece of land. It is decided by climate, soil, water availability, market demand and the farmer's resources.

The quantity of seed sown per unit area of land, usually expressed in kilograms per hectare. Correct seed rate ensures proper plant population and helps avoid overcrowding or gaps.

The proportion of seeds in a sample that sprout into normal seedlings under suitable conditions. It is used to decide seed rate and to judge whether seed is worth sowing.

The relative proportion of sand, silt and clay particles in a soil. It influences water holding capacity, drainage, aeration and how easily the soil can be worked.

The way soil particles group together into crumbs or clods. Good structure allows air, water and roots to move freely and makes the soil more resistant to erosion.

A balanced soil containing moderate amounts of sand, silt and clay. It is generally fertile, holds moisture well and drains reasonably, making it suitable for most crops.

A measure of how acidic or alkaline a soil is, on a scale from 0 to 14, where 7 is neutral. It affects the availability of plant nutrients and the choice of crops.

Laboratory analysis of a soil sample to measure nutrients, pH and other properties. Results guide how much manure or fertilizer a field actually needs before sowing.

The removal of topsoil by wind or water. It reduces fertility and field depth, and is controlled by contour ploughing, bunding, mulching and maintaining vegetation cover.

Building small earthen ridges along the contour lines of a slope. These barriers slow down running water, trap soil and increase infiltration, reducing erosion on sloping farmland.

Material of plant or animal origin, such as farmyard manure or compost, added to soil to supply nutrients and improve physical condition. It releases nutrients slowly and adds organic matter.

Decomposed organic waste, such as crop residues and kitchen waste, used as manure. Proper composting needs moisture, air and time, and produces a dark, crumbly, nutrient-rich material.

Growing a quick leafy crop such as sunhemp or dhaincha and ploughing it into the soil while still green. It adds organic matter and nitrogen, improving soil fertility.

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into forms plants can use. It occurs through soil bacteria in the root nodules of legumes or through free-living microbes, and reduces fertilizer need.

A soil bacterium that lives in root nodules of legumes and fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Treating legume seed with Rhizobium culture before sowing improves nodulation and yields.

A nutrient needed by plants in relatively large amounts, namely nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur. Deficiency of any one limits growth and yield.

A nutrient required by plants in very small amounts, such as zinc, iron, boron, manganese, copper and molybdenum. Shortage can cause visible deficiency symptoms and poor yields.

The quantity of fertilizer applied per unit area, usually stated as kilograms of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium per hectare. It should be based on soil test and crop requirement.

A material such as calcium carbonate applied to acidic soil to raise its pH. It improves nutrient availability and is best applied after soil testing and before the crop season.

Supplying water to crops artificially when rainfall is insufficient. Methods include flood, furrow, sprinkler and drip, and the choice depends on crop, soil and water availability.

A method that delivers water drop by drop to the root zone through pipes and emitters. It saves water and allows fertigation, but needs clean water and regular maintenance.

Applying soluble fertilizers through an irrigation system, usually drip. It supplies nutrients directly to the root zone in small doses and is common in horticultural crops.

The growth stage at which a crop is most sensitive to water shortage. Irrigating at this stage prevents large yield losses when water supply is limited.

An area of land from which all rainwater drains to a common outlet. Watershed development uses check dams, bunds and tree planting to conserve soil and water.

A combined approach to pest control that uses resistant varieties, cultural practices, biological agents and need-based pesticides. It reduces reliance on chemicals and the risk of resistance.

The pest population at which control measures become worthwhile because further damage would cost more than the crop loss. It guides when to spray.

Using living organisms such as predators, parasitoids or pathogens to suppress pests. It is a component of integrated pest management and avoids chemical residues.

An unwanted plant growing where it is not desired, competing with crops for water, nutrients, light and space. Weeds are managed by manual, mechanical, cultural and chemical methods.

A chemical used to kill or suppress weeds. Selective herbicides target weeds without harming the crop, while non-selective ones kill all vegetation and need careful use.

A managed area where young seedlings or planting material are raised before transplanting to the main field. Good nursery care gives healthy, uniform plants.

Moving young seedlings from the nursery and planting them in the main field at proper spacing. It improves uniformity and helps the crop establish before competition from weeds.

Removing unwanted branches, shoots or roots from a plant to shape it, improve light and air penetration, and encourage better fruit. It is common in fruit crops.

Joining a scion from one plant onto the rootstock of another so they grow as one plant. It is used to propagate fruit trees and to combine useful root and shoot traits.

The quantity and mixture of feed given to livestock in a day. A balanced ration supplies energy, protein, minerals and vitamins in the right proportions for health and production.

Feed rich in energy or protein and low in fibre, such as grain, oilcake or bran. It supplements roughage to meet nutrient needs of high-producing animals.

The first thick yellowish milk produced by a mother animal after birth. It is rich in antibodies and must be fed to newborn calves or kids within the first hours of life.

Implements and machines such as tractors, ploughs, seed drills and threshers used to carry out farm operations. Correct selection and maintenance reduce labour and losses.

An implement that sows seed in rows at a controlled depth and rate, often placing fertilizer along with it. It gives more uniform stands than broadcasting.

The total money spent on growing a crop, including seed, fertilizer, labour, irrigation and machinery. It is compared with gross income to work out profit or loss.

The total value of produce obtained from a farm or crop, before deducting any costs. Subtracting the cost of cultivation from gross income gives net income.

Planning and organizing farm resources such as land, labour, capital and water to earn the best returns. It involves decisions on what to grow, how much to invest and how to sell.

The part of the produce that remains after keeping seed, feed and family needs, and is available for sale. It decides how much income the farmer can actually earn.

A business that adds value to farm produce, such as a flour mill, dairy unit, nursery or fruit processing unit. It needs a clear plan, finance, market study and record keeping.

Gear such as gloves, goggles, mask, apron and boots worn to protect a worker from injury or chemical exposure. It must be used when handling pesticides or machinery.

Practices that prevent harm from pesticide use, including reading labels, wearing protective gear, avoiding spray in wind, correct dosage and safe disposal of empty containers.

Farming that meets present needs without harming soil, water and future productivity. It relies on organic matter, crop rotation, water conservation and reduced chemical dependence.

Growing different crops in sequence on the same land over seasons. It helps maintain soil fertility, breaks pest and disease cycles, and improves overall farm productivity.