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

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. 

Multiple choice

Usara soils contain a larger proportion of sodium, potassium and magnesium. What is the result of the presence of these minerals in the soil?

  1. The soil becomes very fertile.

  2. The soil becomes infertile and does not support any vegetative growth.

  3. The soil becomes alkaline and has a rich humus and organic content.

  4. The soil becomes acidic with low humus content.

  5. The soil has slow absorption and loss of moisture.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct answer.