1Which of the following falls under the category of bulky organic manures?
A.Groundnut cake
B.Farm Yard Manure (FYM)
C.Blood meal
D.Fish manure
Correct Answer: Farm Yard Manure (FYM)
Explanation:Bulky organic manures, such as FYM, compost, and green manure, contain small percentages of nutrients and are applied in large quantities, unlike concentrated manures like oil cakes and blood meal.
Incorrect! Try again.
2What is the approximate average NPK composition of well-decomposed Farm Yard Manure (FYM)?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer:
Explanation:A standard well-decomposed FYM typically contains about , , and , though values can vary based on animal feed and storage.
Incorrect! Try again.
3The process of reducing the C:N ratio of organic materials to make nutrients available to plants is primarily achieved through:
A.Leaching
B.Composting
C.Volatilization
D.Denitrification
Correct Answer: Composting
Explanation:Composting is the biological decomposition of organic matter which narrows the C:N ratio, stabilizing the organic matter and making nutrients available (mineralization).
Incorrect! Try again.
4Which method of composting was developed by A. Howard and Y.D. Wad?
A.Bangalore Method
B.Coimbatore Method
C.Indore Method
D.NADEP Method
Correct Answer: Indore Method
Explanation:The Indore method of composting was developed by A. Howard and Y.D. Wad at the Institute of Plant Industry, Indore, India. It is an aerobic method.
Incorrect! Try again.
5In the context of green manuring, which of the following is an example of Green Leaf Manuring (ex-situ)?
A.Growing Sesbania aculeata and ploughing it in
B.Growing Sunhemp and ploughing it in
C.Collecting leaves of Glyricidia maculata from wastelands and applying to the field
D.Growing Cowpea as an intercrop
Correct Answer: Collecting leaves of Glyricidia maculata from wastelands and applying to the field
Explanation:Green Leaf Manuring involves collecting green leaves and twigs from trees/shrubs grown elsewhere (ex-situ) and incorporating them into the soil, unlike in-situ green manuring where the crop is grown in the same field.
Incorrect! Try again.
6Which earthworm species is most commonly used for vermicomposting in India?
A.Lumbricus terrestris
B.Eisenia foetida
C.Aporrectodea caliginosa
D.Megascolex mauritii
Correct Answer: Eisenia foetida
Explanation:Eisenia foetida (Red wiggler) is the most widely used epigeic species for vermicomposting due to its high conversion rate of organic waste and tolerance to temperature fluctuations.
Incorrect! Try again.
7What is the primary advantage of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)?
A.Complete elimination of chemical fertilizers
B.Maximizing short-term yield regardless of soil health
C.Maintenance of soil fertility and sustainable crop productivity
D.Increasing the acidity of the soil exclusively
Correct Answer: Maintenance of soil fertility and sustainable crop productivity
Explanation:INM aims to maintain or adjust soil fertility and plant nutrient supply to an optimum level for sustaining desired crop productivity through optimization of the benefits from all possible sources of plant nutrients.
Incorrect! Try again.
8Which oil cake is widely known for its nitrification inhibiting property?
A.Groundnut cake
B.Mustard cake
C.Neem cake
D.Linseed cake
Correct Answer: Neem cake
Explanation:Neem cake contains alkaloids like nimbin and azadirachtin which inhibit the activity of Nitrosomonas bacteria, thereby slowing down nitrification and reducing nitrogen losses.
Incorrect! Try again.
9Concentrated organic manures are characterized by:
A.High moisture content and low nutrient density
B.Low moisture content and high nutrient density
C.High volume per unit of nutrient
D.Being formed exclusively from plant leaves
Correct Answer: Low moisture content and high nutrient density
Explanation:Concentrated organic manures (like oil cakes, blood meal, bone meal) are made from raw materials with low moisture and contain higher percentages of N, P, and K compared to bulky manures.
Incorrect! Try again.
10Which green manure crop is most suitable for reclamation of saline-sodic soils?
A.Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea)
B.Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata)
C.Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
D.Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)
Correct Answer: Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata)
Explanation:Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) is highly tolerant to salinity and alkalinity/sodicity and is extensively used for the reclamation of sodic soils.
Incorrect! Try again.
11Night soil that has been composted is technically known as:
A.Vermicast
B.Sewage sludge
C.Poudrette
D.Sullage
Correct Answer: Poudrette
Explanation:Poudrette is the manure prepared from night soil (human excreta) mixed with charcoal dust, earth, or other absorbent materials and dried/composted.
Incorrect! Try again.
12In the Bangalore method of composting, the decomposition is primarily:
A.Aerobic
B.Anaerobic
C.Chemical
D.Instantaneous
Correct Answer: Anaerobic
Explanation:The Bangalore method, developed by C.N. Acharya, involves filling trenches and sealing them with mud, creating anaerobic conditions for decomposition. It conserves more Nitrogen compared to aerobic methods.
Incorrect! Try again.
13Which of the following represents a C:N ratio that usually results in net mineralization of Nitrogen in soil?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer:
Explanation:When organic matter with a C:N ratio less than 20:1 is added to soil, net mineralization (release of inorganic N) occurs. Higher ratios () lead to net immobilization.
Incorrect! Try again.
14Vermiwash is:
A.The solid excreta of earthworms
B.A liquid extract collected after the passage of water through a column of worm action
C.The water used to wash earthworms before release
D.A chemical pesticide
Correct Answer: A liquid extract collected after the passage of water through a column of worm action
Explanation:Vermiwash is a liquid fertilizer collected by allowing water to pass through the vermicomposting bed, rich in enzymes, hormones, and nutrients.
Incorrect! Try again.
15Which component is NOT typically part of an Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) system?
A.Chemical Fertilizers
B.Organic Manures
C.Biofertilizers
D.Plastic Mulching
Correct Answer: Plastic Mulching
Explanation:INM involves the combined use of chemical fertilizers, organic manures, and biofertilizers (and sometimes crop residues). Plastic mulching is a moisture conservation technique, not a nutrient source.
Incorrect! Try again.
16The Nitrogen content in Groundnut cake is approximately:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer:
Explanation:Groundnut cake is a concentrated organic manure rich in nitrogen, typically containing around .
Incorrect! Try again.
17Bone meal is primarily used as a source of:
A.Nitrogen
B.Phosphorus
C.Potassium
D.Zinc
Correct Answer: Phosphorus
Explanation:Bone meal acts as a phosphorus fertilizer. Raw bone meal contains about , and steamed bone meal contains .
Incorrect! Try again.
18Which of the following is an edible oil cake used as cattle feed but can also be used as manure?
A.Castor cake
B.Mahua cake
C.Mustard cake
D.Karanj cake
Correct Answer: Mustard cake
Explanation:Mustard cake (along with groundnut and sesame cakes) is edible for cattle. Castor, Mahua, and Karanj cakes are non-edible and used primarily as manures.
Incorrect! Try again.
19The NADEP method of composting primarily utilizes:
A.Earthworms only
B.A perforated brick tank structure to allow aeration
C.Deep underground pits
D.Chemical accelerators only
Correct Answer: A perforated brick tank structure to allow aeration
Explanation:The NADEP method uses a brick tank with holes (perforations) in the walls to ensure natural aeration for aerobic decomposition without the need for manual turning.
Incorrect! Try again.
20Which green manure crop fixes the highest amount of Nitrogen per hectare?
A.Sesbania aculeata (Dhaincha)
B.Vigna radiata (Mung bean)
C.Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar)
D.Lens culinaris (Lentil)
Correct Answer: Sesbania aculeata (Dhaincha)
Explanation:Sesbania aculeata generally produces high biomass and can fix between 80 to 120 kg N/ha, which is generally higher than pulses like mung bean or lentil when used as green manure.
Incorrect! Try again.
21What is the optimal stage for incorporating green manure crops into the soil?
A.At the seedling stage (15 days)
B.At the flowering stage (succulent stage)
C.After seed maturity (harvest stage)
D.After the plants have dried completely
Correct Answer: At the flowering stage (succulent stage)
Explanation:Green manure crops should be incorporated at the flowering stage because the plants are succulent, contain maximum nutrients, and have a C:N ratio favorable for rapid decomposition.
Incorrect! Try again.
22Blood meal typically contains what percentage of Nitrogen?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer:
Explanation:Blood meal is a rich source of organic nitrogen, typically containing Nitrogen.
Incorrect! Try again.
23The term 'humus' refers to:
A.Fresh organic matter
B.Partially decomposed leaves
C.A dark, amorphous, colloidal substance resulting from extensive decomposition
D.The mineral fraction of the soil
Correct Answer: A dark, amorphous, colloidal substance resulting from extensive decomposition
Explanation:Humus is the stable end-product of organic matter decomposition. It is dark, colloidal, and improves soil structure and cation exchange capacity.
Incorrect! Try again.
24Which of the following is a potential disadvantage of using fresh (undecomposed) organic manure?
A.Immobilization of soil nitrogen
B.Excessive immediate release of nutrients
C.Decrease in soil microbial population
D.Increase in soil pH immediately
Correct Answer: Immobilization of soil nitrogen
Explanation:Fresh organic matter often has a high C:N ratio. Microbes break it down and consume available soil nitrogen to build their bodies, causing temporary nitrogen starvation (immobilization) for the crop.
Incorrect! Try again.
25Guano is a type of manure derived from:
A.Cattle urine
B.Excreta of sea birds and bats
C.Fish waste
D.Slaughterhouse waste
Correct Answer: Excreta of sea birds and bats
Explanation:Guano consists of the accumulated excrement of seabirds and bats and is a highly effective fertilizer due to its high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Incorrect! Try again.
26In Integrated Nutrient Management, the use of biofertilizers like Rhizobium aims to:
A.Kill soil pests
B.Augment Nitrogen supply through biological fixation
C.Provide Potassium directly
D.Increase soil salinity
Correct Answer: Augment Nitrogen supply through biological fixation
Explanation:Rhizobium is a symbiotic bacteria that fixes atmospheric nitrogen in legume root nodules, serving as a crucial component of INM to reduce reliance on urea.
Incorrect! Try again.
27Which of the following organic manures usually has the highest Potassium () content?
A.Rice straw compost
B.Banana stem compost/ash
C.Blood meal
D.Bone meal
Correct Answer: Banana stem compost/ash
Explanation:Banana residues (stalks/stems) and their ash are notably rich in Potassium compared to typical animal-based manures or cereal straws.
Incorrect! Try again.
28The standard C:N ratio of sawdust is approximately:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer:
Explanation:Sawdust is very rich in Carbon and poor in Nitrogen, often having a C:N ratio of or higher, making it very slow to decompose.
Incorrect! Try again.
29Which byproduct involves the 'fermentation' of oil cakes/organic wastes to produce methane gas and a nutrient-rich slurry?
A.Biogas technology
B.Incineration
C.Vermiculture
D.Green manuring
Correct Answer: Biogas technology
Explanation:Biogas plants anaerobically digest organic wastes to produce methane (fuel) and the residual slurry is an excellent manure.
Incorrect! Try again.
30The primary role of 'starters' (like cow dung slurry or urea) in composting is to:
A.Dry out the compost
B.Narrow the C:N ratio and boost microbial activity
C.Kill all bacteria
D.Add bulk to the pile
Correct Answer: Narrow the C:N ratio and boost microbial activity
Explanation:Starters provide the Nitrogen needed by microorganisms to multiply and break down the carbonaceous material efficiently.
Incorrect! Try again.
31Which of the following is NOT a benefit of organic manures?
A.Improvement of soil structure
B.Increase in Water Holding Capacity
C.Precise and immediate supply of specific nutrient quantities
D.Buffering of soil pH
Correct Answer: Precise and immediate supply of specific nutrient quantities
Explanation:Organic manures are slow-release fertilizers with variable composition. Unlike chemical fertilizers, they do not provide precise or immediate nutrient quantities.
Incorrect! Try again.
32Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) is primarily used as:
A.An oil cake source
B.A green manure crop
C.A concentrated manure
D.A biofertilizer
Correct Answer: A green manure crop
Explanation:Sunhemp is a popular leguminous green manure crop that grows quickly and adds significant organic matter and nitrogen to the soil.
Incorrect! Try again.
33Which method involves ploughing under the crop residues of the previous crop into the soil?
A.Stubbles incorporation
B.Green leaf manuring
C.Composting
D.Vermicomposting
Correct Answer: Stubbles incorporation
Explanation:Incorporating stubbles or crop residues left after harvest is a form of in-situ organic manuring, though it may require added N to prevent immobilization.
Incorrect! Try again.
34Castor pomace (cake) is unfit for cattle feed because it contains:
A.Ricin
B.Azadirachtin
C.Curcumin
D.Nicotine
Correct Answer: Ricin
Explanation:Castor cake contains Ricin, a toxic protein, making it a non-edible oil cake used solely as manure.
Incorrect! Try again.
35In the context of FYM preparation, the 'Trench Method' is superior to the 'Heap Method' because:
A.It dries the manure faster
B.It minimizes nitrogen loss due to volatilization and leaching
C.It requires no digging
D.It looks better
Correct Answer: It minimizes nitrogen loss due to volatilization and leaching
Explanation:The heap method exposes manure to sun and rain, causing nutrient loss. The trench (or pit) method protects the manure, conserving moisture and nutrients.
Incorrect! Try again.
36The nutrient availability from organic manures is generally:
A.Rapid and short-lived
B.Slow and sustained
C.Unavailable to plants
D.Instantaneous upon application
Correct Answer: Slow and sustained
Explanation:Organic manures must undergo mineralization by soil microbes to release nutrients, resulting in a slow, sustained supply over the crop season or multiple seasons.
Incorrect! Try again.
37A key component of INM is 'Crop Residue Management'. Why is burning crop residues discouraged?
A.It increases soil nitrogen immediately
B.It destroys soil organic matter and beneficial microbes
C.It cools the soil
D.It adds excessive moisture
Correct Answer: It destroys soil organic matter and beneficial microbes
Explanation:Burning residues causes loss of organic carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, kills beneficial soil flora/fauna, and contributes to air pollution.
Incorrect! Try again.
38Mahua cake contains saponins which have properties of:
A.Pesticidal/Piscicidal activity
B.Growth promotion
C.Immediate Nitrogen release
D.Water absorption
Correct Answer: Pesticidal/Piscicidal activity
Explanation:Saponins in Mahua cake are toxic to fish (used to clear predator fish in aquaculture) and have weak pesticidal properties in soil.
Incorrect! Try again.
39Which fraction of humus is soluble in alkali but precipitates in acid?
A.Fulvic acid
B.Humic acid
C.Humin
D.Lignin
Correct Answer: Humic acid
Explanation:Humic substances are fractionated based on solubility. Humic acid is soluble in alkali and insoluble in acid. Fulvic acid is soluble in both. Humin is insoluble in both.
Incorrect! Try again.
40What is the typical Phosphorous () content in poultry manure?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer:
Explanation:Poultry manure is richer in nutrients than cattle manure. It generally contains about (and significantly high N).
Incorrect! Try again.
41Vermicompost is known to contain plant growth regulators such as:
A.Auxins and Gibberellins
B.Cyanide
C.Heavy metals
D.Plastics
Correct Answer: Auxins and Gibberellins
Explanation:The mucus secretion of earthworms and the microbial activity in vermicompost result in the presence of plant growth hormones like auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins.
Incorrect! Try again.
42The efficiency of Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) in crops is increased under INM because:
A.Chemical fertilizers are not used
B.Organic matter reduces leaching and volatilization losses of chemical N
C.Plants stop needing Nitrogen
D.Soil becomes sterile
Correct Answer: Organic matter reduces leaching and volatilization losses of chemical N
Explanation:Organic matter acts as a buffer and improves cation exchange capacity (CEC), holding ammonium ions and reducing nitrate leaching, thereby increasing the efficiency of applied chemical fertilizers.
Incorrect! Try again.
43Which of the following describes 'Bio-gas slurry'?
A.A dry powder sold in bags
B.A concentrated inorganic fertilizer
C.The spent residue leaving the biogas digester, rich in nutrients
D.Raw cow dung mixed with straw
Correct Answer: The spent residue leaving the biogas digester, rich in nutrients
Explanation:Biogas slurry is the residual semi-liquid material after gas extraction. It is fully digested, pathogen-free, and holds nutrients in easily available forms.
Incorrect! Try again.
44The application of bulky organic manures is generally done:
A.As a top dressing during flowering
B.15-30 days before sowing as a basal dose
C.Mixed with seeds during sowing
D.After harvest only
Correct Answer: 15-30 days before sowing as a basal dose
Explanation:Bulky manures need time to decompose and mineralize. Applying them 2-4 weeks before sowing ensures nutrients are released when the crop needs them and avoids immobilization shock.
Incorrect! Try again.
45Which of the following is considered a 'complete' fertilizer generally, although low in nutrient grade?
A.Urea
B.MOP (Muriate of Potash)
C.FYM (Farm Yard Manure)
D.DAP (Diammonium Phosphate)
Correct Answer: FYM (Farm Yard Manure)
Explanation:FYM is often called a complete fertilizer because it supplies all essential major (N, P, K) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, etc.), whereas chemical fertilizers usually supply only 1-3 specific nutrients.
Incorrect! Try again.
46What is the primary role of earthworms in the soil apart from nutrient cycling?
A.Eating crop roots
B.Soil aeration and improving structure through burrowing
C.Compacting the soil
D.Fixing atmospheric nitrogen directly
Correct Answer: Soil aeration and improving structure through burrowing
Explanation:Earthworms act as biological ploughs, creating tunnels that improve soil aeration, water infiltration, and reduce compaction.
Incorrect! Try again.
47Fish manure (Fish meal) is generally prepared from:
A.Expensive edible fish
B.Non-edible fish and fish processing waste
C.Seaweed
D.Shells only
Correct Answer: Non-edible fish and fish processing waste
Explanation:Fish manure is prepared by drying and grinding non-edible fish or wastes like heads, fins, and guts. It is rich in N and P.
Incorrect! Try again.
48The concept of 'Balanced Fertilization' in INM implies:
A.Using equal amounts of N, P, and K
B.Using only organic manure
C.Applying nutrients in correct proportion based on soil test and crop requirement
D.Using the cheapest fertilizer available
Correct Answer: Applying nutrients in correct proportion based on soil test and crop requirement
Explanation:Balanced fertilization means supplying nutrients in the right ratio required by the crop and correcting soil deficits, not necessarily equal amounts ().
Incorrect! Try again.
49Sullage refers to:
A.Solid industrial waste
B.Water discharge from bathrooms, kitchens, and washing (Greywater)
C.Human excreta only
D.Slaughterhouse blood
Correct Answer: Water discharge from bathrooms, kitchens, and washing (Greywater)
Explanation:Sullage (or greywater) is wastewater that does not contain human excreta (sewage) but contains soap, detergents, and food particles, often used for irrigation after treatment.
Incorrect! Try again.
50Which factor most significantly affects the quality of FYM?
A.The color of the animal
B.The feed/fodder given to the animal
C.The time of day the manure is collected
D.The shape of the pit
Correct Answer: The feed/fodder given to the animal
Explanation:The nutrient content of the dung and urine is directly proportional to the richness of the feed. Concentrated feeds (oil cakes/grains) result in richer manure than straw/grass feeds.