Materials of biological origin which are commonly used to maintain and improve soil fertility are:
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green manure
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biofertilizers
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bioinsecticides
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both a and b
Both green manure (decomposing plant material turned into soil) and biofertilizers (microbial inoculants that enhance nutrient availability) are biological materials used to maintain and improve soil fertility. Bioinsecticides control pests but do not directly enhance soil fertility.
To answer this question, you need to understand the materials of biological origin commonly used to maintain and improve soil fertility.
Option A) Green manure - This option is correct. Green manure refers to the practice of growing and incorporating certain plants into the soil to improve its fertility. These plants are typically legumes such as clover or alfalfa, which have the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and enrich the soil with this essential nutrient. When the green manure plants are plowed or tilled into the soil, they decompose and release nutrients, improving soil fertility.
Option B) Biofertilizers - This option is correct. Biofertilizers are living organisms that help to enhance soil fertility by increasing nutrient availability to plants. They can be bacteria, fungi, or algae that have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, solubilize phosphorus, or enhance nutrient uptake by plants. Biofertilizers can be applied to the soil or plant roots to improve nutrient availability and promote plant growth.
Option C) Bioinsecticides - This option is incorrect. Bioinsecticides are substances derived from natural sources that are used to control insect pests. While they may indirectly contribute to soil fertility by protecting crops from insect damage, they are not primarily used for soil fertility improvement.
Option D) Both A and B - This option is correct. Both green manure and biofertilizers are materials of biological origin commonly used to maintain and improve soil fertility. Green manure provides organic matter and nutrients to the soil, while biofertilizers enhance nutrient availability.
The correct answer is D) both A and B.