Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

Water needs of a crop typically increase during the season to maximum, followed by ____________.

1. a second increase at harvest

2. a level period until harvest

3. a decline to harvest

4. rainfall

The correct answer is: a decline to harvest

The water needs of a crop generally rise throughout the growing season as plants develop and reach maturity. This increase in water demand is primarily due to the crop’s growth phases, where photosynthesis and transpiration rates are highest. Following this peak in water usage, a decline in water requirements is usually observed as the plant approaches harvest. The decline can be attributed to several factors, including the maturation of the plant when growth slows and the onset of senescence in some species. Understanding this pattern is critical for effective water management in agriculture. It allows farmers to plan irrigation schedules more efficiently, ensuring that crops receive adequate moisture when they need it most, while also avoiding water waste during the latter stages of growth. The other options do not align with typical crop water usage patterns. A second increase at harvest is unlikely since water needs generally taper off rather than surge again. A level period suggests consistent water usage, which does not reflect the typical increase and decline. Finally, while rainfall can influence water needs, it is not a direct factor describing the expected trend of water requirements as crops mature and reach the harvest stage.