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Agronomy QUESTION #2110
Question 1
The 'yield gap' concept in agronomy is defined as the difference between:
  • The yield of traditional varieties and modern high-yielding varieties under the same management
  • Potential yield (Yp — maximum achievable by best-adapted variety with optimal management, no biotic/abiotic stress) and actual farm yield (Ya) — quantifying the improvement possible through better agronomic management, technology adoption, and policy support without requiring new variety development✔️
  • The yield of irrigated crops versus rainfed crops in the same region
  • The maximum recorded experimental yield and the national average yield reported by FAO
Correct Answer Explanation
Yield gap analysis (van Ittersum framework): Yp = potential yield (radiation-limited in irrigated; temperature and radiation in rainfed = water-limited yield, Yw). Ya = actual farm yield. Yield gap = Yp or Yw − Ya. Globally, average Ya is 50–60% of Yp for major cereals. Closing the yield gap through improved agronomy (fertilization, pest control, irrigation timing) can double production without expanding cultivated area.