1Which of the following falls under the category of bulky organic manures?
A.Groundnut cake
B.Farm Yard Manure (FYM)
C.Fish manure
D.Blood meal
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.
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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.
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3The process of reducing the C:N ratio of organic materials to make nutrients available to plants is primarily achieved through:
A.Composting
B.Leaching
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).
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4Which method of composting was developed by A. Howard and Y.D. Wad?
A.Bangalore Method
B.Coimbatore Method
C.NADEP Method
D.Indore 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.
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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.Collecting leaves of Glyricidia maculata from wastelands and applying to the field
C.Growing Sunhemp and ploughing it in
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.
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6Which earthworm species is most commonly used for vermicomposting in India?
A.Aporrectodea caliginosa
B.Megascolex mauritii
C.Eisenia foetida
D.Lumbricus terrestris
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.
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7What is the primary advantage of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)?
A.Maintenance of soil fertility and sustainable crop productivity
B.Increasing the acidity of the soil exclusively
C.Complete elimination of chemical fertilizers
D.Maximizing short-term yield regardless of soil health
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.
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8Which oil cake is widely known for its nitrification inhibiting property?
A.Linseed cake
B.Mustard cake
C.Groundnut cake
D.Neem 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.
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9Concentrated organic manures are characterized by:
A.Low moisture content and high nutrient density
B.High moisture content and low nutrient density
C.Being formed exclusively from plant leaves
D.High volume per unit of nutrient
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.
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10Which green manure crop is most suitable for reclamation of saline-sodic soils?
A.Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
B.Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata)
C.Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea)
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.
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11Night soil that has been composted is technically known as:
A.Sewage sludge
B.Vermicast
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.
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12In the Bangalore method of composting, the decomposition is primarily:
A.Aerobic
B.Instantaneous
C.Anaerobic
D.Chemical
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.
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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.
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14Vermiwash is:
A.A chemical pesticide
B.The solid excreta of earthworms
C.The water used to wash earthworms before release
D.A liquid extract collected after the passage of water through a column of worm action
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.
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15Which component is NOT typically part of an Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) system?
A.Plastic Mulching
B.Biofertilizers
C.Chemical Fertilizers
D.Organic Manures
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.
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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 .
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17Bone meal is primarily used as a source of:
A.Nitrogen
B.Potassium
C.Zinc
D.Phosphorus
Correct Answer: Phosphorus
Explanation:
Bone meal acts as a phosphorus fertilizer. Raw bone meal contains about , and steamed bone meal contains .
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18Which of the following is an edible oil cake used as cattle feed but can also be used as manure?
A.Mustard cake
B.Mahua cake
C.Karanj cake
D.Castor 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.
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19The NADEP method of composting primarily utilizes:
A.Chemical accelerators only
B.Earthworms only
C.Deep underground pits
D.A perforated brick tank structure to allow aeration
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.
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20Which green manure crop fixes the highest amount of Nitrogen per hectare?
A.Vigna radiata (Mung bean)
B.Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar)
C.Lens culinaris (Lentil)
D.Sesbania aculeata (Dhaincha)
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.
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21What is the optimal stage for incorporating green manure crops into the soil?
A.At the flowering stage (succulent stage)
B.After the plants have dried completely
C.At the seedling stage (15 days)
D.After seed maturity (harvest stage)
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.
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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.
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23The term 'humus' refers to:
A.A dark, amorphous, colloidal substance resulting from extensive decomposition
B.Fresh organic matter
C.The mineral fraction of the soil
D.Partially decomposed leaves
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.
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24Which of the following is a potential disadvantage of using fresh (undecomposed) organic manure?
A.Increase in soil pH immediately
B.Excessive immediate release of nutrients
C.Immobilization of soil nitrogen
D.Decrease in soil microbial population
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.
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25Guano is a type of manure derived from:
A.Cattle urine
B.Slaughterhouse waste
C.Excreta of sea birds and bats
D.Fish 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.
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26In Integrated Nutrient Management, the use of biofertilizers like Rhizobium aims to:
A.Augment Nitrogen supply through biological fixation
B.Kill soil pests
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.
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27Which of the following organic manures usually has the highest Potassium () content?
A.Rice straw compost
B.Blood meal
C.Bone meal
D.Banana stem compost/ash
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.
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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.
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29Which byproduct involves the 'fermentation' of oil cakes/organic wastes to produce methane gas and a nutrient-rich slurry?
A.Green manuring
B.Vermiculture
C.Biogas technology
D.Incineration
Correct Answer: Biogas technology
Explanation:
Biogas plants anaerobically digest organic wastes to produce methane (fuel) and the residual slurry is an excellent manure.
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30The primary role of 'starters' (like cow dung slurry or urea) in composting is to:
A.Kill all bacteria
B.Dry out the compost
C.Narrow the C:N ratio and boost microbial activity
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.
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31Which of the following is NOT a benefit of organic manures?
A.Increase in Water Holding Capacity
B.Improvement of soil structure
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.
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32Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) is primarily used as:
A.A biofertilizer
B.A green manure crop
C.A concentrated manure
D.An oil cake source
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.
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33Which method involves ploughing under the crop residues of the previous crop into the soil?
A.Composting
B.Green leaf manuring
C.Stubbles incorporation
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.
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34Castor pomace (cake) is unfit for cattle feed because it contains:
A.Nicotine
B.Azadirachtin
C.Ricin
D.Curcumin
Correct Answer: Ricin
Explanation:
Castor cake contains Ricin, a toxic protein, making it a non-edible oil cake used solely as manure.
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35In the context of FYM preparation, the 'Trench Method' is superior to the 'Heap Method' because:
A.It looks better
B.It requires no digging
C.It dries the manure faster
D.It minimizes nitrogen loss due to volatilization and leaching
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.
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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.
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37A key component of INM is 'Crop Residue Management'. Why is burning crop residues discouraged?
A.It adds excessive moisture
B.It increases soil nitrogen immediately
C.It cools the soil
D.It destroys soil organic matter and beneficial microbes
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.
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38Mahua cake contains saponins which have properties of:
A.Growth promotion
B.Water absorption
C.Immediate Nitrogen release
D.Pesticidal/Piscicidal activity
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.
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39Which fraction of humus is soluble in alkali but precipitates in acid?
A.Fulvic acid
B.Humin
C.Humic acid
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.
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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).
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41Vermicompost is known to contain plant growth regulators such as:
A.Cyanide
B.Plastics
C.Auxins and Gibberellins
D.Heavy metals
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.
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42The efficiency of Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) in crops is increased under INM because:
A.Organic matter reduces leaching and volatilization losses of chemical N
B.Soil becomes sterile
C.Plants stop needing Nitrogen
D.Chemical fertilizers are not used
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.
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43Which of the following describes 'Bio-gas slurry'?
A.A dry powder sold in bags
B.The spent residue leaving the biogas digester, rich in nutrients
C.Raw cow dung mixed with straw
D.A concentrated inorganic fertilizer
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.
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44The application of bulky organic manures is generally done:
A.Mixed with seeds during sowing
B.After harvest only
C.As a top dressing during flowering
D.15-30 days before sowing as a basal dose
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.
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45Which of the following is considered a 'complete' fertilizer generally, although low in nutrient grade?
A.DAP (Diammonium Phosphate)
B.Urea
C.MOP (Muriate of Potash)
D.FYM (Farm Yard Manure)
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.
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46What is the primary role of earthworms in the soil apart from nutrient cycling?
A.Eating crop roots
B.Fixing atmospheric nitrogen directly
C.Compacting the soil
D.Soil aeration and improving structure through burrowing
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.
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47Fish manure (Fish meal) is generally prepared from:
A.Shells only
B.Expensive edible fish
C.Seaweed
D.Non-edible fish and fish processing waste
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.
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48The concept of 'Balanced Fertilization' in INM implies:
A.Using equal amounts of N, P, and K
B.Using the cheapest fertilizer available
C.Applying nutrients in correct proportion based on soil test and crop requirement
D.Using only organic manure
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 ().
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49Sullage refers to:
A.Water discharge from bathrooms, kitchens, and washing (Greywater)
B.Human excreta only
C.Solid industrial waste
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.
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50Which factor most significantly affects the quality of FYM?
A.The feed/fodder given to the animal
B.The color of the animal
C.The shape of the pit
D.The time of day the manure is collected
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.