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

From where do the plants get nitrogen?

  1. Soil

  2. Atmosphere

  3. Water

  4. Both (1) and (3)

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

Plants get nitrogen from the soil by the activity of bacteria present in their root nodules, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable form. 

Multiple choice

Which of the following options is not a function of bacteria?

  1. Breakdown of organic waste into harmless and usable substances

  2. Decomposition of non-biodegradable waste

  3. Increase in soil fertility

  4. Used in baking industry for preparation of breads, pasteries and cakes

  5. Preparation of medicine
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Bacteria do not decompose non-biodegradable wastes.

Multiple choice

How plant waste is decomposed?

  1. By the action of enzymes present in the waste.

  2. Soil provides catalyst which helps in decomposition.

  3. By the action of microbes present in the soil.

  4. Nutrients and minerals present in the soil helps in decomposition.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Plant waste decomposition is carried out by soil microbes (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes) that secrete enzymes breaking down cellulose, lignin, and other organic compounds into simpler substances for nutrient cycling.

Multiple choice

Nitrogenous wastes are produced by the utilisation of foodstuffs, which are

  1. carbohydrates

  2. lipids

  3. proteins

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

Nitrogenous wastes (ammonia, urea, uric acid) are produced during the metabolism of proteins. Proteins contain nitrogen in their amino groups, which must be removed when proteins are broken down for energy or converted to other molecules. Carbohydrates and lipids do not contain nitrogen and therefore do not produce nitrogenous wastes when metabolized.

Multiple choice

Consider the following facts:

  1. Nutrient cycle traces the movement of only organic matter in the living world.
  2. Detritus is the term used to describe non-living organic material.

Which of the above given facts is/are true?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A nutrient cycle (or ecological recycling) is the movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter. The process is regulated by food web pathways that decompose matter into mineral nutrients. In biology, detritus is non-living particulate organic material (as opposed to dissolved organic material). It typically includes the bodies or fragments of dead organisms, as well as faecal material.

Multiple choice

Which of the following opions is not an example of neutralisation?

  1. Taking antacid when stomach indigestion is there.

  2. Applying calamine solution when ant bites.

  3. Discharge of factory waste into water bodies.

  4. The soil treated by chemical fertilizers is treated with quick lime.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Yes, it is not an example of neutralisation. The factory waste is acidic in nature and so when basic substances are added to the waste, only then neutralisation occurs.

Multiple choice

Which of the following organisms do not decompose the organic matter in the soil?

  1. Fungi

  2. Plants

  3. Bacteria

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

Plants are producers, not decomposers. They do not break down organic matter; rather, they contribute organic matter to soil through leaf litter and root death. Fungi, bacteria, and earthworms are all decomposers that break down organic material, recycling nutrients back into the soil.