MCQs on Soil fertility

MCQs on Soil fertility like ICAR-JEF, ICAR-SRF, ICAR-NET, IBPS-AFO/SO, Pre-PG, BHU Pre-PG, IFFCO-AGT, CCI, FCI, B.sc, M.sc, etc.

Download Complete Pdf

Question 1:

What is the term for the inherent capacity of the soil to supply plant nutrients in adequate quantities and suitable proportions?

A) Soil productivity
B) Soil fertility
C) Soil structure
D) Soil texture

Answer:
B) Soil fertility

Explanation:
Soil fertility refers to the inherent capacity of the soil to supply plant nutrients in adequate quantities and suitable proportions to support plant growth.

Question 2:

What does soil productivity refer to?

A) The capacity of a soil to produce crops
B) The number of microorganisms in the soil
C) The ability of the soil to retain moisture
D) The nutrient content of the soil

Answer:
A) The capacity of a soil to produce crops

Explanation:
Soil productivity is the capacity of a soil to produce crops. It is influenced by soil fertility and other factors like soil structure, moisture, and microbial activity.

Question 3:

Which of the following factors does NOT influence soil productivity?

A) Soil moisture
B) Soil microorganisms
C) Soil erosion
D) Soil color

Answer:
D) Soil color

Explanation:
Soil productivity is influenced by factors like soil fertility, physical condition, soil microorganisms, and moisture. Soil color does not have a direct impact on productivity.

Question 4:

Which type of nutrient loss is more prevalent in sandy soils?

A) Erosion
B) Leaching
C) Gaseous loss
D) Removal by crops

Answer:
B) Leaching

Explanation:
Leaching is more prevalent in sandy soils because of their low water-holding capacity, causing nutrients to be washed away from the soil.

Question 5:

How can nutrients be lost from the soil through denitrification?

A) As a result of leaching
B) Due to the removal by crops
C) Due to soil erosion
D) In gaseous form

Answer:
D) In gaseous form

Explanation:
Denitrification is a process where soil bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas (N₂) or nitrous oxide (N₂O), leading to nitrogen loss in gaseous form.

Question 6:

Which of the following practices can help maintain soil fertility?

A) Regular addition of plant nutrients
B) Allowing soil erosion
C) Removing crop residues from the field
D) Using highly saline irrigation water

Answer:
A) Regular addition of plant nutrients

Explanation:
Regular addition of plant nutrients helps maintain soil fertility by replenishing nutrients lost due to crop uptake, leaching, or other factors.

Question 7:

Which crop removes the most potassium (K) from the soil?

A) Rice
B) Wheat
C) Sorghum
D) Maize

Answer:
C) Sorghum

Explanation:
Sorghum removes 200-300 kg/ha of potassium, which is the highest among the listed crops.

Question 8:

What is one method to prevent soil erosion, a common cause of fertility loss?

A) Crop rotation
B) Removing all vegetation from the soil surface
C) Using heavy machinery on wet soils
D) Plowing the soil in the opposite direction of the slope

Answer:
A) Crop rotation

Explanation:
Crop rotation helps maintain soil structure and reduces soil erosion by providing continuous vegetation cover, minimizing wind and water erosion risks.

Question 9:

Why is soil organic matter important for maintaining soil fertility?

A) It helps bind soil particles together
B) It increases soil salinity
C) It prevents moisture retention
D) It is composed entirely of plant nutrients

Answer:
A) It helps bind soil particles together

Explanation:
Soil organic matter improves soil structure by binding soil particles, enhancing moisture retention, and providing nutrients through decomposition.

Question 10:

Which of the following could be an inhibitory factor affecting soil productivity?

A) Proper drainage
B) Alkalinity
C) Adequate soil moisture
D) High organic matter content

Answer:
B) Alkalinity

Explanation:
Alkalinity can inhibit plant growth by affecting nutrient availability and soil structure, reducing soil productivity.

Question 11:

Which of the following is a broader term used to indicate yields of crops?

A) Soil fertility
B) Soil productivity
C) Soil structure
D) Soil organic matter

Answer:
B) Soil productivity

Explanation:
Soil productivity encompasses not only soil fertility but also other factors that influence crop yields, such as water supply, land slope, and climate.

Question 12:

Soil fertility can be analyzed in the laboratory. What other term is evaluated in the field under particular climatic conditions?

A) Soil productivity
B) Soil structure
C) Soil salinity
D) Soil texture

Answer:
A) Soil productivity

Explanation:
Soil productivity is influenced by field conditions and climate, while soil fertility is typically assessed in a laboratory for nutrient availability.

Question 13:

Which process converts nitrate (NO₃) to nitrogen gas (N₂)?

A) Volatilization
B) Denitrification
C) Nitrification
D) Fixation

Answer:
B) Denitrification

Explanation:
Denitrification is the process where nitrate (NO₃) is converted into nitrogen gas (N₂) by soil bacteria, resulting in nitrogen loss in gaseous form.

Question 14:

Which method helps maintain soil fertility through cultural practices?

A) Adding lime to acidic soils
B) Using fallow periods
C) Adding inorganic fertilizers
D) Applying bio-fertilizers like rhizobium

Answer:
B) Using fallow periods

Explanation:
Fallow periods allow the soil to rest and replenish nutrients, helping maintain soil fertility as part of cultural practices.

Question 15:

Which of the following is an organic material used to maintain soil fertility?

A) Lime
B) Gypsum
C) Compost
D) Ammonium nitrate

Answer:
C) Compost

Explanation:
Compost is organic material derived from decomposed plant and animal matter, used to improve soil fertility and structure.

Question 16:

Which of the following can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure and fertility?

A) Paddy husk
B) Inorganic fertilizers
C) Bio-fertilizers
D) Weedicides

Answer:
A) Paddy husk

Explanation:
Paddy husk can improve soil structure by adding organic matter and aiding in soil aeration and drainage, contributing to soil fertility.

Question 17:

Which type of fertilizer involves using microorganisms to enhance soil fertility?

A) Inorganic fertilizers
B) Bio-fertilizers
C) Organic fertilizers
D) Soil amendments

Answer:
B) Bio-fertilizers

Explanation:
Bio-fertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms like rhizobium, azotobacter, and blue-green algae, which enhance nutrient cycling and nitrogen fixation.

Question 18:

What is the potential status of soil in terms of nutrient availability?

A) Soil productivity
B) Soil fertility
C) Soil structure
D) Soil amendments

Answer:
B) Soil fertility

Explanation:
Soil fertility refers to the potential status of the soil regarding its ability to supply plant nutrients in adequate quantities.

Question 19:

Which cultural practice involves growing different crops in the same field during different seasons to maintain soil fertility?

A) Mixed cropping
B) Fallowing
C) Crop rotation
D) Green manuring

Answer:
C) Crop rotation

Explanation:
Crop rotation involves growing different crops in the same field in a systematic sequence, allowing the soil to regenerate and maintain fertility.

Question 20:

Which of the following represents the interaction of all factors that determine the magnitude of crop yields?

A) Soil productivity
B) Soil fertility
C) Soil amendments
D) Soil structure