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 zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

Which of these help in decomposition of organic wastes?

  1. Bacteria

  2. Fungi

  3. Earthworm

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

When organic wastes such as leftover food, plant and animals waste is collected in heaps, decomposers such as bacteria, insects such as earthworms and fungi act on it and break it down. This product which is formed by this action of decomposers is called compost. This process is called composting and the compost can be used to increase the plant yield. Thus the correct answer is option D.

Multiple choice zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

Which of the following process helps in nutrient conservation?

  1. Mineralisation

  2. Immobilisation

  3. Leaching

  4. Nitrification
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Immobilization is the conversion of inorganic compounds to organic compounds by microorganisms or plants, by which it is prevented from being accessible to plants. Immobilization is the opposite of mineralization. Plants utilize minerals in inorganic form. Hence, immobilization helps in nutrient conservation.

So, the correct answer is 'Immobilization'.

Multiple choice zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

The plant parts when fully decomposed by microorganism and mixed in the soil is caIled as

  1. Litter

  2. Duff

  3. Humus

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

Humus is a dark-brown or black organic substance made up of decayed plant or animal matter which are fully decomposed by microorganisms like bacteria. Humus provides nutrients for plants and increases the ability of soil to retain water. It has a characteristic black or dark brown color and is organic due to an accumulation of organic carbon. 

Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

Multiple choice zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

Humus is 

  1. Dead and decayed organic matter

  2. Living matter

  3. Fertilizers

  4. Living animal, plants and microbes
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Humus is dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decays. When plants drop leaves, twigs, and other material to the ground, it piles up. This material is called leaf litter. When animals die, their remains add to the litter. The thick brown or black substance that remains after most of the organic litter has decomposed is called as humus. Humus contains many useful nutrients for healthy soil. 

Multiple choice zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

Which of the following process is involved in the processing of manures?

  1. The decomposition of animal excreta

  2. Plant waste

  3. Above both options are correct

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

Manure is prepared by the decomposition of animal excreta and plant waste.

So, the correct answer is 'above both options are correct'

Multiple choice zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

Which of the following statement regarding decomposition is false?

  1. Warm and moist environment favors decomposition.

  2. Decomposition rate is slower if detritus is rich in chitin and lignin.

  3. Earthworm is a detritivore.

  4. Precipitation of soluble inorganic nutrients into the soil horizon of unavailable salt is called as mineralization.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Decomposition takes part in recycling of biogeochemicals and creating space for newer generations of organisms. A number of processes are involved in decomposition. 

They are grouped into three categories- 
(i) Fragmentation of detritus carried out by earthworms, termites, millipedes etc. 
(ii) Catabolism carried out by decomposers, which secrete digestive enzymes over the detritus and change insoluble complex organic substances into  simple and soluble organic and inorganic substances. 
(iii) Leaching in which soluble substances formed during decomposition are passed to deeper layers of soil. 
The process of decomposition is favoured by warm and moist environment, because it favours growth of decomposers. 
Mineralization is the release of inorganic substances both non-mineral, example carbon dioxide and water; and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc from organic matter.
In short, mineralisation is the process by which humus is further degraded by some microbes to release inorganic substances.
Thus, the correct answer is option D.

Multiple choice zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

Decomposition rate is slow, if detritus is rich in

  1. Nitrogen

  2. Humus

  3. Sugars

  4. Lignin and chitin

  5. Water soluble substances
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Decomposition is the process of breaking down organic matter into simple inorganic matter. Under same environmental conditions, the rate of decomposition various due to change in composition of detritus. If detritus is rich in lignin and chitin, the decomposition rate is slow. If detritus is rich in nitrogen, the decomposition rate is relatively high.

Thus, the correct answer is 'Lignin and chitin.'

Multiple choice geography mineral resources in rajasthan climate and season cycle climate, soil, natural vegetation and animals of rajasthan study of rocks and soil formation position of rajasthan in indian economy

Presence of which of the following component/s make the desert sands fertile for agricultural crops where water supply is regular?

  1. Phosphates

  2. Nitrates

  3. Both A and B

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

Though there is very less fertility in desert soils to support agriculture, the presence of Phosphates and Nitrate components make the desert sands fertile for agricultural crops where water supply is regular.

Multiple choice commercial studies striving for a better environment soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Crop rotation is helpful because

  1. lt provides more nitrates in the soil.

  2. lt provides more sulphates in the soil.

  3. lt provides more potassium in the soil.

  4. lt provides more phosphorus in the soil.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

If the same crop is grown year after year, fertility of soil is lost due to utilization of same minerals again and again, thus, disturbing the soil structure, which facilitates soil erosion. Legumes are useful in rotation of crops because of having nodulated roots which harbour nitrogen fixing Rhizobium bacteria and it leaves more nitrates in the soil when the roots are left over in fields and only aerial parts of legume crops are harvested.

Multiple choice commercial studies striving for a better environment soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Which of the following may increase the fertility of soil?

  1. Vermicompost

  2. Manure

  3. Industrial waste

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

Vermicomposting is a method in which earthworms are used to convert the organic wastes into compost, which is a good fertilizer for plants. It increases the soil fertility. Manure is the organic matter mainly animal feces and straw. It adds nutrients (nitrogen) in the soil, which increases the soil fertility. So, the correct option is D.

Multiple choice commercial studies striving for a better environment soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Which of the following can be considered as soil pollutants?

  1. Fertilizers

  2. Pesticides

  3. Weedicides

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

Soil pollution is caused by removal or addition of substances which decrease its productivity. It is caused by agrochemicals, industrial wastes, municipal wastes etc. It adversely affects the fertility of the soil. Pesticides, weedicides, and fertilizers are added to soil in agriculture practices to remove unwanted plants and increase the fertility of the soil. These chemicals penetrate into soil and damages the soil.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.

Multiple choice evs - i rules are for everyone soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment sustainability of natural resources adaptations - mangrove swamps, fast flowing rivers and treetops halophiles

Soil conservation is the process where 

  1. Soil is aerated

  2. Sterile soil is converted into fertile soil

  3. Soil is protected against loss

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

Soil conservation is the prevention of soil from erosion or reduced fertility caused by overuse, acidification, salinization or other chemical soil contamination. Techniques for improved soil conservation include crop rotation, cover crops, conservation tillage and planted windbreaks, that affect both erosion and fertility. 

Multiple choice evs - i the environment and us soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Which of the following kills the organisms in the soil?

  1. Metallic substances

  2. Earthern pots

  3. Polythene bags and plastics

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

As a result of various activities of mankind, our environment is getting increasingly polluted. pollutants are of 2 types: Biodegradable and non-bio degradable

Biodegradable pollutants are the ones which decompose after some time but non-bio degradable pollutants are the ones which don't degrade easily. 
Plastics are non-bio degradable wastes. They remain intact until a long period of time. it takes thousands of years for plastic to get rid of its toxic substances and break down. Thus, their toxic chemicals cause harm to the plants. Apart from this, if any plastic material or polythene bag is eaten by animals, they eat the toxic substance present in them and thus catch deadly diseases. 
Thus, Plastics and polythene bags are extremely harmful to the environment.
So, option C ' Polythene bags and plastics' is the correct option.