Fertilizers vs Manures MCQs Quiz | Class 9

This Class IX Science (Code 086) quiz covers Unit IV: Food Production. It focuses on the comparison between fertilizers and manures, including their nutrient content, environmental impact, and effects on soil health. Test your knowledge, view your score, and click “Download Answer PDF” to save your results.

Understanding Fertilizers and Manures

Improving crop yields involves nutrient management. Plants require nutrients for growth, which are supplied by soil, water, and air. To enrich the soil, farmers add manures and fertilizers. While both serve the purpose of providing nutrients, they differ significantly in their composition, preparation, and impact on the environment.

Key Differences

Manures are organic substances obtained from the decomposition of plant or animal waste. They contain small quantities of nutrients but are rich in organic matter (humus). Manures help in improving soil structure, increasing water holding capacity in sandy soils, and preventing waterlogging in clayey soils.

Fertilizers are commercially produced plant nutrients. They supply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) in specific amounts. They ensure good vegetative growth and high yields but must be used carefully to avoid environmental damage.

Comparison Table

Feature Manure Fertilizer
Nature Natural organic substance Inorganic salt or organic compound
Preparation Prepared in fields Prepared in factories
Humus Provides a lot of humus to soil Does not provide any humus
Nutrients Nutrients present in small amounts Rich in specific nutrients (N, P, K)
Absorption Slowly absorbed by plants Readily absorbed (water soluble)

Environmental Impact

Excessive use of fertilizers can lead to water pollution as they are easily washed away into water bodies (eutrophication). Continuous use can also harm soil fertility by destroying soil microorganisms. Manures, being organic, are eco-friendly and recycle farm waste, promoting sustainable agriculture.

Practice Questions

  • 1. Why are earthworms often called the friends of farmers in the context of vermicomposting?
  • 2. What is green manure and how is it prepared?
  • 3. List two advantages of using organic manure over chemical fertilizers.
  • 4. How does excessive fertilizer use affect soil chemistry?
  • 5. Define bio-fertilizers and give one example.