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 can not go into a compost pile

  1. herbivore manure

  2. egg shells

  3. citrus rinds

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

Citrus rinds are generally avoided in home compost piles because they are acidic and can contain oils that inhibit the beneficial bacteria and worms needed for composting.

Multiple choice

The use of inorganic fertilizers on Midwestern farms is that it contributes to--

  1. The increasing zone of hypoxia in the Guld of Mexico

  2. The spread of the West Nile Virus

  3. Soil erosion inTexas

  4. Water shortages in California
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Inorganic fertilizers from Midwestern farms wash down the Mississippi River, carrying nitrogen and phosphorus into the Gulf of Mexico. This causes algal blooms that deplete oxygen, creating a 'dead zone' (hypoxia) where marine life cannot survive. Note: option D has a typo ('Gulf' misspelled as 'Guld').

Multiple choice

A disadvantage with inorganic fertilizers is that they--

  1. Reduce crop yields

  2. Are esay to store and apply

  3. Have variable compositions

  4. Are quickly leached out of the soil by rain water
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Inorganic fertilizers are water-soluble and can be quickly leached from soil by rain or irrigation before plants absorb them. This wastes money, pollutes waterways, and requires frequent reapplication. Organic fertilizers release nutrients more slowly. Note: option B has a typo ('easy' misspelled as 'esay').

Multiple choice

Soils with thick layers and lots of humus are good for...

  1. cooking

  2. growing things

  3. growing plants
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Humus is the organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material. It is rich in nutrients, making it excellent for growing plants.

Multiple choice

Humus adds ________________ to the soil.

  1. clay

  2. soil

  3. nutrients

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

Humus is formed from decayed organic matter. As it decomposes, it releases essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium back into the soil, which plants absorb.

Multiple choice

Droppings of animals make the soil fertile

  1. True

  2. False
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Animal waste, or droppings, contains nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that break down and enrich the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer.

Multiple choice

Compost helps preserve the health of soil because it ____

  1. is a natural fertilizer

  2. contains pesticides that kills insects

  3. adds artificial fertilizers that help plants grow

  4. breaks rock down into additional soil
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Compost is decomposed organic matter that adds essential nutrients back into the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer that improves soil structure and health.

Multiple choice

Nitrates present soil is taken up by

  1. Plant body

  2. Animals

  3. Scavengers

  4. Used by rhizobium bacteria
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Plants absorb nitrates from the soil through their roots to synthesize proteins and other essential compounds.

Multiple choice

pathaogens can be present in and transmited through.......

  1. soil

  2. soil,water and air

  3. soil and water

  4. water and air
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Pathogens exist and spread through all three mediums: soil (fungal/bacterial), water (many bacterial/viral), and air (fungal spores, viral particles). The comprehensive answer is B.

Multiple choice

What does not happen to topsoil when it erodes?

  1. the nutrients of the topsoil are depleted

  2. CO2 levels can increase because stored carbon is released

  3. eroded topsoil ends up as sediment in water & can kill fish

  4. the eroded layers quickly restore themselves
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Topsoil formation is an extremely slow geological process. Once topsoil is eroded, it does not restore itself quickly; it can take hundreds or thousands of years to replace.