Environmental Studies · Biology

Soil Science and Fertilizers

1,509 Questions

Soil science focuses on soil formation, classification, and fertility management using fertilizers and organic amendments. Agricultural and environmental science exams heavily feature questions on biofertilizers, mycorrhiza, and phytoremediation. Practice these questions to build a strong understanding of soil nutrient cycles.

Phytoremediation techniquesOrganic soil amendmentsBiofertilizers and mycorrhizaNitrous oxide emissionsIn-situ soil remediationGreen manuring effects

Soil Science and Fertilizers Questions

Multiple choice

In which of the following categories is compost classified?

  1. Manure

  2. Fertiliser

  3. Pesticide

  4. Weedicide

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Compost is a form of organic nutrient obtained by the decomposition of dead plants and animals, and thus it belongs to the category “manure”. Fertilisers refer to the inorganic salts being prepared in the factories. Pesticides and weedicides are the chemicals, which act against pests and weeds, respectively. 

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is incorrect about manure?

  1. Manure is prepared in fields.

  2. Manure is prepared in factories.

  3. Manure is obtained by decomposition of animal wastes.

  4. Manure provides humus to the soil.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Manure is not prepared in factories. Fertilisers are prepared in factories.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is not correct regarding the use of fertilisers?

  1. Fertilisers are inorganic salts prepared in factories.

  2. Excessive use of fertilisers makes the soil less fertile.

  3. Fertilisers have become a source of water pollution.

  4. Fertilisers provide a lot of humus to soil.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Fertilisers do not provide humus to soil. The rest of the statements are true regarding fertilisers.

Multiple choice

How do plants get nitrogen?

  1. Nitrogen is present in abundance in the atmosphere.

  2. Soluble form of nitrogen is absorbed by plants along with water.

  3. Through fertilizers.

  4. Option (2) and (3) are correct.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Both are correct

Multiple choice

Which of the following practices cannot help soil replenishment?

  1. Adding chemical fertilizers

  2. Mixed cropping

  3. Field fallow

  4. Mono-culture

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Mono-culture involves growing the same crop repeatedly on the same land, which depletes specific soil nutrients and does not aid in replenishment. Mixed cropping and field fallow are traditional methods to restore soil fertility.

Multiple choice

Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae are important for

  1. nitrate nutrition of plants

  2. phosphate nutrition of plants

  3. carbonate nutrition of plants

  4. sulphate nutrition of plants
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) are fungi that form symbiotic associations with plant roots, significantly enhancing the plant's ability to absorb phosphorus from the soil.

Multiple choice

The plant ash is an indication of

  1. mineral salts absorbed by the plant

  2. organic matter of the plant

  3. both the mineral salts and organic matter

  4. none of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

When a plant is burned, organic matter is oxidized and released as gases (CO2, H2O), leaving behind the inorganic mineral salts as ash.

Multiple choice

Presence of phosphorus in a plant

  1. brings out healthy root growth

  2. promotes fruit ripening

  3. retards protein formation

  4. none of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Phosphorus is a vital macronutrient for plants, essential for energy transfer (ATP) and root development. It is often added to fertilizers to promote strong, healthy root systems.