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. Question 1: What is the term for the inherent capacity of the soil to supply plant nutrients in adequate quantities and suitable proportions? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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)? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? Answer:A) Soil productivity Explanation:Soil productivity refers to the interaction of various factors, such as soil fertility, water supply, and land slope, that ultimately determine crop yields.