Punjab PSEB Matric NSQF Agriculture key terms

A crop sown with the arrival of the monsoon rains, usually between June and July, and harvested in autumn. Examples include paddy, maize, cotton and moong.

A crop sown in the cool post-monsoon months, roughly October to November, and harvested in spring. Wheat, gram, mustard and barley are typical examples grown in Punjab.

A short-duration crop grown between the main Kharif and Rabi seasons, mainly on irrigated land. Examples are summer moong, cucumber, melons and fodder crops like chari.

The number of crops harvested from the same field in one agricultural year, expressed as a percentage of the net sown area. Punjab's high intensity depends on assured canal and tube-well irrigation.

The sequence and proportion of different crops grown on a farm over a year. It is decided by soil type, water availability, market price and the farmer's own consumption needs.

Growing different crops in a planned sequence on the same field over successive seasons. It helps maintain soil fertility, breaks pest and disease cycles, and reduces depletion of specific nutrients.

Growing two or more crops simultaneously in separate rows on the same field. The crops should have different growth habits so they use sunlight, water and nutrients efficiently without competing strongly.

The quantity of seed required to sow one hectare of a crop, expressed in kilograms per hectare. It depends on seed size, germination percentage, row spacing and the desired plant population.

The proportion of seeds in a sample that sprout into normal seedlings under suitable conditions, expressed as a percentage. It is tested before sowing so that seed rate can be adjusted.

Coating or soaking seed with fungicides, insecticides or bio-agents before sowing. It protects the germinating seed and young seedling from soil-borne diseases and insect pests.

A specially prepared, well-managed area where young plants are raised from seed before transplanting to the main field. Punjab paddy and vegetable crops are commonly started in nurseries.

Moving young seedlings from a nursery and planting them in the main field at the correct spacing and depth. It gives the crop a head start and allows uniform stand establishment.

The distance maintained between plants within a row and between rows. Correct spacing gives each plant enough light, water and nutrients and makes interculture and harvesting easier.

The number of plants standing per unit area of field at a given stage of the crop. It is influenced by seed rate, germination, spacing and losses due to pests or weather.

Supplying water to crops artificially through canals, tube wells, sprinklers or drip systems when rainfall is insufficient. Timing and quantity depend on crop stage and soil moisture.

The growth stage at which a crop is most sensitive to water shortage and yield loss is greatest if irrigation is delayed. For wheat it is the crown root initiation stage.

A method that delivers water slowly and directly to the root zone of each plant through emitters and pipes. It saves water and fertilizer and is suited to horticultural crops.

A system that sprays water over the crop like rain through nozzles mounted on pipes. It suits closely sown crops and undulating land and can also be used to protect crops from frost.

The amount of crop produce obtained per unit of water applied or consumed. It is raised by timely irrigation, laser levelling, mulching and choosing efficient application methods.

Well-rotted mixture of cattle dung, urine, litter and plant waste used to supply organic matter and nutrients to soil. It improves soil structure, water holding capacity and microbial activity.

Organic material produced by the controlled decomposition of crop residues, kitchen waste and dung. It is used as a bulky organic manure that improves soil fertility and physical condition.

A quick-growing crop such as dhaincha or sunhemp grown and then ploughed into the soil while still green. It adds organic matter and nitrogen and improves soil health.

The living and dead plant and animal material present in soil, including humus. It improves structure, nutrient holding capacity and water retention and supports beneficial soil organisms.

The ability of soil to supply essential plant nutrients in adequate amounts and in available form. It is maintained by manures, fertilizers, crop rotation and suitable tillage.

The acidity or alkalinity of soil, measured as pH on a scale from 0 to 14. It affects nutrient availability and determines which crops and amendments are suitable.

A material applied to soil or plants to supply one or more essential plant nutrients in concentrated form. Common examples are urea, DAP and muriate of potash.

The three major plant nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, shown on fertilizer bags as their percentage content. Each supports different functions such as vegetative growth, rooting and grain filling.

A preparation containing living micro-organisms such as Rhizobium or Azotobacter that helps plants obtain nutrients. It fixes atmospheric nitrogen or solubilizes phosphorus and reduces chemical fertilizer needs.

Applying water-soluble fertilizers to crops through an irrigation system, especially drip. It places nutrients near the roots in small doses and improves nutrient and water use efficiency.

An unwanted plant growing where it is not desired and competing with the crop for water, nutrients, light and space. Weeds also harbour pests and reduce crop yield and quality.

A chemical used to kill or suppress weeds. Selective herbicides act on weeds without harming the crop, while non-selective ones kill most vegetation and need careful handling.

Operations carried out in the standing crop after sowing to improve its growth, such as weeding, hoeing, thinning and earthing up. They control weeds, loosen soil and conserve moisture.

Covering the soil surface around plants with crop residues, plastic film or other material. It conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature and prevents erosion.

A combined approach to pest control that uses resistant varieties, cultural practices, biological agents and need-based pesticides. It aims at economical and safe control while minimising chemical use.

The pest population at which the cost of control measures equals the value of crop loss prevented. Control is justified only when pest numbers reach or exceed this level.

A pesticide formulation used to kill or repel insect pests. It must be chosen for the target pest and used at recommended dose with proper safety precautions and waiting period.

All measures taken to keep crops free from damage by insects, diseases, weeds and rodents. It includes resistant varieties, cultural practices, biological control and safe use of pesticides.

Machines and tools used for farm operations such as ploughing, sowing, spraying, harvesting and threshing. They may be powered by animals, tractors or engines.

Mechanical manipulation of soil to prepare a seedbed or control weeds. Primary tillage opens the soil and secondary tillage breaks clods and levels the field.

A machine that cuts, threshes and cleans grain in a single operation. In Punjab, combine harvesting of paddy leaves stubble that must be managed by chopping or baling.