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 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. 

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

In a classroom discussion, three students made the following statements.

Shikha: Fertilizers are chemical substances that are rich in a particular nutrient.
Ritesh: Fertilizers increase the water holding capacity of the soil.
Abhishek: Fertilizers used in excess provide lots of humus to the soil.

Which student(s) made incorrect statement(s)?

  1. Shikha and Ritesh

  2. Ritesh and Abhishek

  3. Abhishek and Shikha

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

  • Fertilizers, chemically synthesized substances that are rich in plant nutrients such as NPK. 
  • They are artificially made but have a rapid response. It is applied to soils or to plant tissues to supply one or more plant nutrients essential to the growth of plants. So, the statement given by Shikha is correct.
  • Fertilizers have a low capacity for holding water and nutrients. So, the statement given by Ritesh is incorrect.
  • The excessive use of fertilizers causes damage to the plants. So, the statement given by Abhishek is incorrect.

Thus, the correct answer is option B.

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

Composted manure is produced from________________

  1. Farmyard manure and green manure

  2. Farm refuse and household refuse

  3. Organic remains of biogas plants

  4. Rotten vegetables and animal fecal refuse
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

  • Composted manure is produced from rotten vegetables and animal fecal refuse. 
  • In this process, green wastes are collected and dumped in an area and microorganisms like bacteria and fungi degrade them into humus. 
  • This process is aided by shredding the plant matter, adding water and ensuring proper aeration by regularly turning the mixture. 
  • It acts as a good and natural fertilizer for plants.
So, the correct answer is option D.

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

Apart from soil fertility, manure also enhances .......... of the soil. 

  1. Decomposition of microorganisms

  2. Roots holding capacity

  3. Soil binding capacity

  4. Water holding capacity
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 microorganisms and used as fertilizers. It enhances the water holding capacity of the soil. 
  • It also makes the soil porous which makes the exchange of gases easy.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D.
Multiple choice biology improvement in food resources manure manures and fertilisers role of organic manures in soil management

.......... increases crop productivity only to some extent.

  1. Fertilizer

  2. Manure

  3. Water

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

Manure is organic and provides nutrients slowly, often leading to a more gradual increase in crop productivity compared to chemical fertilizers. Fertilizers are typically designed for more rapid and significant yield increases.