With reference to ‘Manures’, which of the following statements is incorrect?a)It enhances the water holding capacity of the soil.b)It makes the soil porous.c)It increases the number of friendly microbes.d)It provides nutrients to plants in a specified quantity.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Option (d) is the correct answer.

Manure is an organic material that is used to fertilize land, usually consisting of the feces and urine of domestic livestock, with or without accompanying litter such as straw, hay, or bedding. Farm animals void most of the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that is present in the food they eat, and this constitutes an enormous fertility resource. In some countries, human excrement is also used. Livestock manure is less rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash than synthetic fertilizers and hence must be applied in much greater quantities than the latter.

Advantages of Manure: The organic manure is considered better than fertilisers. This is because:

● It enhances the water holding capacity of the soil.

● It makes the soil porous due to which exchange of gases becomes easy.

● It increases the number of friendly microbes.

● It improves the texture of the soil.

Option (d) is the incorrect statement. Synthetic fertilizers provide specific nutrients to plants in a specified quantity, manure on the other hand provides all nutrients in varying proportions.

Answer

Incorrect Statement Explanation:

Providing Nutrients to Plants in a Specified Quantity
Manures do provide nutrients to plants, but they do not do so in a specified quantity. Manures are organic materials that contain a variety of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, among others. These nutrients are released slowly over time as the manure decomposes. The exact quantity of nutrients released can vary depending on factors such as the type of manure, environmental conditions, and microbial activity in the soil. Therefore, manures do not provide nutrients in a precise or specified quantity.

Correct Statements:
1. Enhancing Water Holding Capacity: Manures help to improve the water holding capacity of soil by increasing its ability to retain moisture. This is beneficial for plant growth as it ensures that plants have access to water even during dry periods.

2. Making the Soil Porous: Manures can improve soil structure by making it more porous. This allows for better aeration and root penetration, which in turn promotes healthier plant growth.

3. Increasing the Number of Friendly Microbes: Manures contain organic matter that serves as food for beneficial soil microbes. These microbes play a crucial role in breaking down organic materials, releasing nutrients, and improving soil fertility. Manures can help to increase the population of these beneficial microbes in the soil.

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