WBBSE Madhyamik Agriculture (Vocational) key terms

The relative proportion of sand, silt and clay particles in a soil. It controls water holding, drainage and aeration, and therefore decides which crops a field can support.

A balanced soil mixture of sand, silt and clay that holds moisture while still draining freely. It is generally considered the most suitable texture for most field crops.

The way soil particles clump together into crumbs and aggregates. Good structure allows roots to penetrate, air to move and water to drain, and is improved by organic matter.

The amount of water a soil retains after excess water has drained away by gravity. Irrigation scheduling usually aims to keep soil moisture between field capacity and wilting point.

The soil moisture level below which a plant can no longer extract water and wilts permanently. Water held below this point is unavailable to crops.

A measure of how acidic or alkaline the soil is, on a scale from 0 to 14. Most crops grow best near neutral, and pH strongly affects nutrient availability.

Dead plant and animal material in various stages of decay within the soil. It supplies nutrients, improves structure, increases water retention and supports beneficial soil organisms.

Laboratory or field analysis of a soil sample to measure pH, organic carbon and available nutrients. Results guide fertiliser dose and liming decisions before sowing.

The monsoon crop season in West Bengal, roughly June to October, when crops depend mainly on rainfall. Rice, jute and maize are typical kharif crops.

The cool, dry winter crop season, roughly November to March, when crops usually need irrigation. Wheat, mustard, potato and pulses are common rabi crops.

The yearly sequence and arrangement of crops grown on a piece of land. It is planned using rainfall, soil type, irrigation and market demand.

Growing different crops in sequence on the same field over successive seasons. It reduces pest build-up, balances nutrient use and improves soil health.

A plant family whose roots host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in nodules. Growing pulses such as lentil or gram adds nitrogen to the soil and enriches the following crop.

The quantity of seed sown per unit area of land. Correct seed rate ensures optimum plant population, which directly affects yield and competition with weeds.

The proportion of seeds in a sample that sprout and produce normal seedlings under standard conditions. It is used to adjust seed rate and judge seed quality.

The ability of a seed to germinate and grow into a healthy plant. Viability declines with age and poor storage, so fresh certified seed is preferred.

Raising seedlings in a nursery and then moving them to the main field at a suitable age. It improves crop establishment and helps manage weeds and water.

The distance maintained between plants and between rows in a field. Correct spacing gives each plant enough light, water and nutrients and eases intercultural operations.

A prepared raised or flat area where seeds are sown densely to raise seedlings before transplanting. Good drainage, fine soil and shade management are essential.

Producing new plants from parts such as stem cuttings, tubers, buds or roots rather than from seed. It is common in sugarcane, potato and many fruit plants.

Joining a scion (desired variety) onto a rootstock so they grow as one plant. It is used in mango and citrus to combine good fruit quality with hardy roots.

Removing selected branches or shoots from a plant to shape it, improve light penetration and encourage fruiting. It is a routine practice in orchards and tea gardens.

A feed mixture that supplies the correct proportions of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins needed by an animal for maintenance and production.

Feed rich in energy or protein, such as oilcake, grain or bran, given to supplement roughage. It is used to raise milk yield or growth in livestock and poultry.

Fibrous feed such as green fodder, hay or straw that is bulky and low in energy but essential for rumen health in cattle and goats.

The amount of feed consumed divided by the weight gain or product produced. A lower ratio means more efficient feed use and better profit in poultry and piggery.

Providing artificial warmth and care to young chicks during their first weeks of life. Correct temperature, space and clean water reduce chick mortality.

Rearing several fish species with different feeding habits together in one pond. This uses all food niches and increases total yield per unit water area.

The number of fish stocked per unit area or volume of water. Overstocking causes stunted growth and oxygen shortage; understocking wastes pond capacity.

The oxygen dissolved in pond water, which fish need to breathe. Low levels, often caused by algal decay or overcrowding, can kill fish, especially at dawn.

Spreading lime over a drained or water-filled pond to correct acidity, improve nutrient availability and disinfect the pond bottom before stocking.

A primary tillage implement used to cut, invert and loosen soil before sowing. It buries weeds and residues and prepares the seedbed.

A secondary tillage implement that breaks clods, levels the soil and removes weeds after ploughing. It produces a finer seedbed for small seeds.

A machine that places seed in rows at a controlled depth and rate. It saves seed, ensures uniform spacing and improves germination compared with broadcasting.

A strategy that combines cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical methods to keep pests below economic damage levels while minimising pesticide use.

The pest population at which control measures become economically worthwhile. Below this level, treatment costs more than the crop loss it prevents.

Using natural enemies such as predators, parasitoids or pathogens to suppress pests. It is a low-cost, low-residue component of integrated pest management.

Sorting harvested produce into uniform categories by size, colour or quality. Grading raises market value and is essential before packing and sale.

Processing or packaging a raw farm product into a more useful or attractive form, such as puffed rice from paddy or jam from fruit, to earn a higher price.

A cooled facility that slows respiration, ripening and spoilage of perishable produce. It reduces post-harvest losses of fruits, vegetables and potatoes.

The total expense incurred in raising a crop, including seed, fertiliser, labour, irrigation and machinery. It is the base figure for calculating net profit.

The total income from a farm enterprise before deducting costs, obtained by multiplying production by selling price.

The income left after all costs of cultivation are subtracted from gross return. It is the main indicator of whether a farm enterprise is worth continuing.

A voluntary association of farmers who pool resources for inputs, marketing or credit. Members share benefits and decisions on an equal basis.

A small group of rural members, often women, who save regularly and lend to each other. Such groups also link members to bank credit and income-generating projects.

A market yard notified under law where agricultural produce is sold under transparent weighing and auction rules. It aims to protect farmers from unfair trade practices.

A very small business, often run by a farm family, such as a nursery, poultry unit or food-processing unit. It adds income and employment in rural areas.

A supervised trip to a farm, nursery, hatchery or processing unit where students observe real practices and record findings. It links classroom theory with field conditions.

A graded practical assignment in which a student plans, carries out and reports a small agricultural activity, such as raising a kitchen garden or a poultry batch.

A dated notebook in which a student writes measurements and observations taken during practical work, such as plant height, pest incidence or feed consumed.