What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture? 1. The proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the soil can occur. 2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place 3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

QUESTION

Medium

Environment & Ecology

Prelims 2015

What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?

The proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the soil can occur.
Increase in the acidity of soil can take place
Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers actually reduces the need for nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the soil. Plants can readily utilize the added nitrogen, so these microbes wouldn't need to fix atmospheric nitrogen for the plants' benefit. Thus, statment 1 is incorrect.

Nitrogenous fertilizers can release acidic compounds as they break down in the soil, leading to increased soil acidity.

When applied in excess, nitrogen fertilizers (especially nitrates) can be easily washed away by rain or irrigation water. This can contaminate groundwater sources.

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