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

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. 

Multiple choice

Monoculture

  1. has no effect on the fertility of the soil

  2. decreases the fertility of the soil

  3. increases the fertility of the soil

  4. none of these

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

Monoculture decreases the fertility of the soil. As same crop is grown every year which leads to decrease in organic matter and CEC due to which soil fertility decrease. Also it has some negative impacts on its structure, in the aeration and in biological activity among other phenomena. 

Multiple choice

Which of the following is considered to be the most effective method of returning minerals to the soil?

  1. Crop rotation

  2. Stripping

  3. Contour ploughing

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Crop rotation is the most effective method of returning minerals to the soil. Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of dissimilar types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons. Crop rotation confers various benefits to the soil. A traditional element of crop rotation is the replenishment of nitrogen through the use of green manure in sequence with cereals and other crops. Crop rotation also mitigates the build-up of pathogens and pests that often occurs when one species is continuously cropped, and can also improve soil structure and fertility by alternating deep-rooted and shallow-rooted plants. 

Multiple choice

Aerating the soil is usually done by

  1. Mecrofauna

  2. Micro fauna

  3. Mesofauna

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

Mesofauna, such as earthworms, mites, and springtails, are primarily responsible for aerating the soil through their burrowing activities. Microfauna are generally too small to create significant aeration channels.