Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Deeper sowing is advantageous in heavy soils whereas shallow sowing is recommended in light soils.
Statement (II): Seeds which germinate through epigeal germination should not be sown deep as it results in poor germination. Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

Heavy soils: Deep sowing; Light soils: Shallow sowing; Epigeal seeds: Shallow to avoid germination failure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

- Statement (I) is correct: Heavy soils (e.g., clay) have better water retention, allowing seeds sown deeper (e.g., 5–10 cm) to access consistent moisture for germination. Light soils (e.g., sandy) dry out quickly, so shallow sowing (e.g., 2–5 cm) ensures seeds remain in the moist zone near the surface, improving germination.
- Statement (II) is correct: Epigeal germination involves the cotyledons emerging above the soil surface (e.g., beans, cotton). Deep sowing can exhaust seed reserves before the shoot reaches the surface, leading to poor germination. Such seeds require shallow sowing to ensure successful emergence. Since both statements are correct, option (1) is the correct answer.