ICAR AIEEA PG Agriculture Engineering 14 July 2023 (Shift 1) Paper

A vertical disc plough (also called a harrow plough or one-way disc plough) combines the principles of a regular disc plough and a disc harrow. Its discs are mounted on a single common gang axle with a fixed tilt angle of zero (vertical discs) and disc angle typically $35^\circ$ to $50^\circ$, operating at shallow depths ($8\text{ to }12\text{ cm}$). Option analysis: (A) Vertical disc plough is the exact implement combining disc plough and disc harrow features. (B) Chisel plough breaks hardpans without inversion. (C) Sub-soiler operates deep ($\gt 45\text{ cm}$) to shatter subsoil. (D) Standard disc plough has individually mounted tilted discs.

Precision planters meter single individual seeds using cell-type metering devices such as inclined plate (A), edge drop plate (B), and vertical rotor/plate (C). In contrast, fluted roller (D) and internal double-run (E) are bulk/mass continuous-flow drill metering mechanisms used for small grains. Option analysis: (A) (A), (B) and (C) are precision single-seed metering devices. (B) Fluted roller is for continuous mass flow. (C) Fluted roller and internal double-run are mass metering. (D) (D) and (E) are bulk grain metering mechanisms.

Hollow cone nozzles produce fine droplets with excellent foliage penetration and wrap-around coverage under leaves, making them ideal for foliar application of insecticides and fungicides. Flat fan and flooding nozzles produce coarser droplets and are preferred for herbicide application. Option analysis: (A) Hollow cone provides the fine droplets and dense coverage needed for insect and disease control. (B) Solid cone is used for soil drenching and spot treatment. (C) Flat fan is standard for herbicide boom spraying. (D) Flooding nozzle is used for high-volume herbicide/fertilizer spraying.