Environmental Studies · Biology

Soil Science and Fertilizers

1,537 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

Dried ______ is used as manure

  1. Sludge

  2. Waste water

  3. Bacteria

  4. Algae
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Sludge is a semi-solid slurry and can be produced as sewage sludge from wastewater treatment processes or as a settled suspension obtained from conventional drinking water treatment and numerous other industrial processes.

Multiple choice

How do the organisms living in the soil breathe?

  1. They use the nitrogen from the soil.

  2. They use the carbon dioxide from the soil.

  3. They use the oxygen from the air trapped in the pockets of the soil.

  4. They use the water vapours from the soil.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

They use the oxygen from the air trapped in the pockets of the soil.

Multiple choice

Which component is removed from rice by sedimentation?

  1. Dust

  2. Stones

  3. Sawdust

  4. Husk
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A solid substance is not soluble and is heavier than the liquid, it will settle down at the bottom and the process is known as sedimentation. This process is helpful in removing impurities e.g. dust particles from rice as rice being heavier settle down and dust being lighter stays at the surface and can be easily removed. 

Multiple choice

Nitrogenous wastes are produced by the utilisation of

  1. carbohydrates

  2. lipids

  3. proteins

  4. vitamins
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Nitrogenous wastes are produced by the utilisation of proteins.They are further broke down to amino acids which undergo deamination to produce ammonia.It is the further converted to urea to be eliminated by kidneys.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a benefit of adding manure?

  1. It increases the capacity of soil to hold water and nutrients.

  2. It enhances the growth of friendly microbes.

  3. It prevents soil erosion.

  4. It reduced the pace of release of nutrients to plants.

  5. It adds more nitrogen, phosphorus and potash to the soil as compared to synthetic fertilisers.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Manure is less rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash than synthetic fertilizers and therefore must be used in much greater quantities.

Multiple choice

Roughage does not provide nutrients, still it is essential. Why?

  1. It can be used as a feed for beef cattle in the form of cotton grain trash.

  2. It helps in getting rid of undigested food.

  3. It keeps the skin healthy.

  4. All of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Roughage (dietary fibers) is provided by all plant products like fruits, pulses, vegetables etc. It acts as food for animals, helps us in getting rid of the undigested food from the body and keeps our skin healthy. 

Multiple choice

Why is preparation of soil a very important task in agriculture?

  1. It kills microbes present in the soil.

  2. It brings nutrient rich soil to the top.

  3. It remove weeds present in the crop.

  4. It kills earthworms present in the soil.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

 The growing crops draw various nutrients from the soil and make the top soil deficient in nutrients. Before growing next crop, soil needs to be turned so, the lower nutrient rich soil layer comes at the top. 

Multiple choice

Which of the following substances is not an example of fertilizer?

  1. Potash

  2. Ammonium sulphate

  3. Humus

  4. NPK
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

NPK, potash and ammonium sulphate are inorganic substances being prepared in the factories. They help in increasing the soil fertility. Humus is the organic component of soil formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant materials by soil microorganisms. Hence, humus is not an example of fertilizer.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Fertilizers are the inorganic salts prepared in factories.

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

  3. Fertilizers have become a source of water pollution.

  4. Fertilizers provide a lot of humus to the soil.

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

 Fertilizers are the inorganic salts being prepared in the factories. Excess use of fertilizers makes the soil less fertile. Fertilizers are non biodegradable and mix up with the water bodies and cause pollution. They do not provide humus to the soil.