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 evs mud and stones soil - formation and profile soil-nature soil profile

Humus is defined as

  1. Physical texture of soil

  2. Chemical composition of soil

  3. Decomposed organic matter in soil

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Humus is the dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decays. It is a crucial component for soil fertility.

Multiple choice evs mud and stones soil - formation and profile soil-nature soil profile

'X' is an organic substance obtained from the decomposition of plant or animals wastes which provides lots of humus to the soil. Identify the incorrect statements regarding decomposition.

  1. It makes the soil porous

  2. It reduces the water holding capacity of the soil

  3. it increase the number of friendly microbes

  4. It improves the texture of the soil
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Humus is the dark, organic material formed in the soil when plant and animal matter decays.
It is important as it retains-
1)  Moisture content in the soil.

2) Loosens the soil which allows better aeration and drainage.
3) It encourages the increase of soil organisms which help make nutrients available to plants. 
4) It makes the soil more porous.
5) High humus content increases water holding capacity of the soil.
So, the correct answer is 'It improves the texture of the soil'.

Multiple choice evs mud and stones soil - formation and profile soil-nature soil profile

Which of the following characteristics is not a function of humus in soil?

  1. Provides nutrients

  2. Raises pH

  3. Retains moisture

  4. Humus does all of the above in soil
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation: Humus is the end product of broken down (decayed) organic matter. Humus is an essential component of healthy soils that has many great benefits.

Multiple choice chemistry for a pollution free nature properties of soil soil pollution and its effects soil and soil pollution

Reducing chemical fertilizer and pesticide use controls _______.

  1. soil pollution

  2. global warming

  3. both of them

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

Applying bio-fertilizers and manures can reduce chemical fertilizer and pesticide use. Biological methods of pest control can also reduce the use of pesticides and thereby minimize soil pollution.

Multiple choice chemistry for a pollution free nature properties of soil soil pollution and its effects soil and soil pollution

Pesticides and fertilizers should be applied on croplands only in limited amounts because it helps in control of ______.

  1. soil pollution

  2. water pollution

  3. thermal pollution

  4. all of above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Pesticides and fertilizers should be applied on croplands only in recommended dose, prescribed by Indian Standard Institution experts. It will help in reducing the level of water and soil pollution caused through these chemicals.

Multiple choice chemistry for a pollution free nature properties of soil soil pollution and its effects soil and soil pollution

Which chemical compound is responsible for making soil infertile?

  1. Fertilizers

  2. Germicides

  3. Verbicides

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

Fertilizers are the chemical compound which is used in agricultural land to increase the fertility of soil. The use of fertilizers for long time makes the upper layer harder and renders the soil infertile.

Multiple choice chemistry for a pollution free nature properties of soil soil pollution and its effects soil and soil pollution

Which type of biological waste effect soil?

  1. Urine

  2. Feces

  3. Both a and b

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

Every human produces a certain amount of personal waste products by way or urine and feces. While much of it moves into the sewer the system, there is also a large amount that is dumped directly into landfills in the form of diapers. Even the sewer system ends at the landfill, where the biological waste pollutes the soil.

Multiple choice chemistry for a pollution free nature properties of soil soil pollution and its effects soil and soil pollution

Negative soil pollution is:

  1. reduction in soil productivity due to erosion and over use

  2. reduction in soil productivity due to addition of pesticides and industrial wastes

  3. converting fertile land into barren land by dumping ash, sludge and garbase

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

Negative soil pollution occurs due to the overuse of soil & its erosion hence there will be a decrease in soil productivity. 

The other causes of negative soil pollution such as developmental activities, overgrazing and soil erosion.

Multiple choice chemistry for a pollution free nature properties of soil soil pollution and its effects soil and soil pollution

The over use of NPK fertilizers: 

  1. increases the protein content of wheat, maize, grams, etc.

  2. the carbohydrate quality of such crops also becomes better

  3. reduce quantity of vegetables and crops grown on soil over the years

  4. Excess potassium content in soil increases Vitamin C and carotene content in vegetables and fruits
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The over use of NPK fertilizers reduce quantity of vegetables and crops grown on soil over the years. It also reduces the protein content of wheat, maize, grams, etc., grown on that soil. The carbohydrate quality of such crops also gets degraded. Excess potassium content in soil decreases 
Vitamin C and carotene content in vegetables and fruits. The vegetables and fruits grown on overfertilized soil are more prone to attacks by insects and disease. 

Multiple choice civics agriculture in india - i : introduction agricultural reforms indian agriculture problem and policies plantation of crops

Traditional fertilizer used in India is ________.

  1. Cow dung

  2. Chemical fertilizer

  3. Manure

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

  • Traditionally cow dung has been used as a fertilizer.
  • Cow dung is high in organic materials and rich in nutrients.
  • Cow dung powder can be used more directly to fertilize individual plants.
  • Apart from using it as a fertilizer it can also be used in the production of biogas.

Multiple choice civics agriculture in india - i : introduction agricultural reforms indian agriculture problem and policies plantation of crops

A farmer has been using excess quantities of chemical fertilizer in fields for a number of years.The crop yield began to reduce in spite of using chemical fertilizers.Which of the following statements are true?
a) The soil has become more acidic
b) The soil has become more alkaline
c) The yield can be improved by adding slaked lime to the soil.
d) The yield can be improved by adding some organic matter.
e) The yield can be improved by adding common salt.

  1. A and E

  2. B and D

  3. B and E

  4. A and C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The soil has become more acidic and the soil acidity can be decreased by adding slaked lime