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

What is organic fertilizer derived from?

  1. Plant and animal materials

  2. Pesticides

  3. No such thing as organic fertilizer

  4. Inorganic chemicals
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources, specifically the decomposition of plant matter (like compost) and animal waste (like manure).

Multiple choice some important compounds of magnesium and calcium the s-block elements chemistry

Single superphosphate is preferred for phosphorus application in groundnut because it also provides:

  1. sulphur

  2. calcium

  3. sulphur and calcium both

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

Phosphorus and calcium are the major nutrients limiting groundnut production,which can be obtained from SSP along with phosphorus. So, that is why is used in groundnut cultivation.

Multiple choice some important compounds of magnesium and calcium the s-block elements chemistry

Which of the following is not a nitrogenous fertilizer?

  1. Ammonium sulphate

  2. Urea

  3. Ammonium nitrate

  4. Superphosphate
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Monocalcium phosphate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula $Ca{ ({ H } _{ 2 }{ PO } _{ 4 }) } _{ 2 }$. It is commonly found as the monohydrate $Ca{ ({ H } _{ 2 }{ PO } _{ 4 }) } _{ 2 }.{ H } _{ 2 }O$. Both salts are colourless solids. They are used mainly as superphosphate fertilizers.

Multiple choice evs interdependence in our environment meaning of environment significance of biodiversity habitat and adaptation

Which of the following are Edaphic factors?

  1. pH

  2. Minerals

  3. Organic matter in soil

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
  • Abiotic factors are non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems. For example, rain, wind, temperature, altitude, soil, pollution, nutrients, pH, types of soil, and sunlight.
  • The edaphic factor is an abiotic factor relating to the physical or chemical composition of the soil found in a particular area. For example, the pH of the soil, Minerals present in the soil and organic matter in the soil.
  • Hence pH, Minerals and organic matter in soil are examples for Edaphic factors because these are physical or chemical composition of the soil found in a particular area. 
  • So, the correct answer is 'All the above'.
Multiple choice biology global environmental change causes of greenhouse effect greenhouse effect pollution and its effects

Cattle ranches cause acute green house effect because of

  1. Methanogenic bacteria in rumen

  2. Mechanised milking practices

  3. Decomposition of organic remains in faeces

  4. Decomposition of left over fodder
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
Cattle ranches are the grazing animals that are raised on a large land area. Cattles are responsible for green house effect because their rumen (stomach) contains methanogenic bacteria that produce methane gas which is a green house gas. Methane gas is released by the cattle in the atmosphere which then causes green house gas by trapping the radiations and this results in warming of earth's surface.
So, the correct answer is 'Methanogenic bacteria in rumen'.
Multiple choice chemistry metals chemical properties and uses of metals and non-metals introduction to metals physical properties of non-metals

Which of the following non-metal can be used as plant fertilizer and for plant fixation?

  1. Nitrogen

  2. Carbon

  3. Sulphur

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

Nitrogen is used by plants for fixation in the form of nitrates. It can also be used by to prepare ammonia which can in turn be used as nitrogen fertilizers. Liquid nitrogen can also be used to prevent food at a very low temperature.

Multiple choice biology improvement in food resources manure manures and fertilisers role of organic manures in soil management

Manure helps in

  1. Enriching soil with nutrients

  2. Organic matter

  3. Increasing soil fertility

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

Manure is an organic substance produced by the decomposition of plant and animal wastes in the presence of microorganism and used as fertilizers because it contains nutrients such as nitrogen, that is trapped by bacteria in the soil. Manure helps in enriching the soil with nutrients and organic matter and increasing soil fertility.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.

Multiple choice biology improvement in food resources manure manures and fertilisers role of organic manures in soil management

Choose the correct options from the following.
Advantage of fertilizers is/are

  1. They are nutrient specific and required in small amounts.

  2. They are water soluble and absorbed by the plant easily.

  3. They are easy to store and transport.

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

Fertilizers are chemically synthesized substances which are rich in plant nutrients such as NPK. They have a rapid response on application. Overuse of fertilizers can cause negative effects like decreased soil fertility, bioaccumulation etc.Although, it is very advantageous as they are nutrient specific and are required in small amounts, they are water soluble and absorbed by the plant easily and are easy to store and transport.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.

Multiple choice biology improvement in food resources manure manures and fertilisers role of organic manures in soil management

Choose the correct options from the following that describe the disadvantage of using manure

  1. They have less amount of nutrients as compared to fertilizers.

  2. Manures are bulky and can't be easily stored or transported.

  3. Both A and B

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

Manure is an organic substance produced by the decomposition of plant and animal wastes in the presence of microorganism and used as fertilizers. Disadvantages of a manure are that they have less amount of nutrients as compared to fertilizers, manures are bulky and not easy to store and transport.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.

Multiple choice biology improvement in food resources manure manures and fertilisers role of organic manures in soil management

Fertilizers contain a much higher amount of ___________ in comparison to what they use.

  1. Nutrients

  2. Micro-organisms

  3. Earthworms

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

Fertilizers, chemically synthesized substances which are rich in plant nutrients such as NPK. These artificially used substances are used in very small amount but have a rapid response. But, overuse of fertilizers can cause negative effects such as decreased soil fertility. 

Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Multiple choice biology improvement in food resources manure manures and fertilisers role of organic manures in soil management

Fertilizers supply

  1. Nitrogen

  2. Phosphorus

  3. Potassium

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

Fertilisers, chemically synthesized substances which are rich in plant nutrients such as NPK. Fertilizers supply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. They are artificially made but have a rapid response. Overuse of fertilisers can cause negative effects like loose soil fertility.