INSIGHT UPSC QUIZ

Science & Technology General Science
Q.

Fertilizers are commercially produced plant nutrients. In this context, consider the following statements:

1. Fertilizers get washed away due to excessive irrigation.

2. Micro-organisms in the soil are harmed by the continuous use of fertilizers.

3. Fertilizers supply nitrogen, phosphorus and sodium to the soil. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Explanation:

ANSWER: (B) 

  • Fertilizers are commercially produced plant nutrients. Fertilizers supply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. They are used to ensure good vegetative growth (leaves, branches and flowers), giving rise to healthy plants. Fertilizers are a factor in the higher yields of high-cost farming. 
  • Fertilizers should be applied carefully in terms of proper dose, time, and observing pre- and post-application precautions for their complete utilisation. 
  • For example, sometimes fertilizers get washed away due to excessive irrigation and are not fully absorbed by the plants. This excess fertilizer then leads to water pollution. 
  • Continuous use of fertilizers in an area can destroy soil fertility because the organic matter in the soil is not replenished and micro-organisms in the soil are harmed by the fertilizers used. 
  • Short-term benefits of using fertilizers and long-term benefits of using manure for maintaining soil fertility have to be considered while aiming for optimum yields in crop production. 

 

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