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Passage

A number of different chemical elements are essential for the survival and growth of plants. The macronutrients— those nutrients required in the greatest quantity—are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These macronutrients are only available in the soil and generally come from the decay of other plants. To enrich the soil and make more of these essential nutrients available, many people use fertilizers to supply plants with the nutrients they need to grow faster. Two botanists discuss whether inorganic or organic fertilizers are most optimal for plant growth.
Botanist 1
In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available in the water and the air, and other micronutrients, such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, plants also need the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. The best way to supply the soil, and thus the plants, with the proper macronutrients is to apply organic fertilizers, as opposed to commercial inorganic fertilizers. Organic nutrients include cow, poultry, horse, and sheep manures.
Green manure—a crop that is grown for a specific period of time, then plowed and incorporated into the soil—and compost can also be used. Organic fertilization mimics the natural breakdown of organic material into nutrients for which the plants can use. In other words, organic fertilizer provides a naturally slow release of nutrients as the organic material breaks down in the soil, reducing the likelihood of over-fertilization. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure in the long term and improve the ability of sandy soils to hold water, which is immensely important in arid climates. Commercial inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, are often applied too heavily, damaging the roots of the plants. Inorganic fertilizers can also cause chemical imbalances in the soil because they can build up a toxic concentration of salts in the soil.
Botanist 2
Plant growth and survival depends on an adequate supply of essential nutrients that cannot always be found in the soil. Inorganic commercial fertilizers have many benefits over organic fertilizers. The elements in inorganic fertilizers have been thoroughly measured and tested, insuring that each application provides the appropriate amount of
nutrients to the plants, as opposed to the highly variable, and often unknown, nutrient content of organic fertilizers.
Organic fertilizers are usually lower in nutrient content than inorganic fertilizers, requiring more of the organic material to be applied to achieve the same level of nutrient delivery acquired from the application of smaller amounts of inorganic material. In addition, characteristics of organic fertilizer require application well in advance of need to ensure that the materials have broken down and can be used by the plant. Inorganic fertilizers, however, once applied, offer immediate availability of nutrients to plants for use.
The likelihood of nitrogen depletion is another disadvantage of organic fertilizers. Organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil and therefore in the plants that depend on it. Inorganic fertilizer use does not present this problem.
Q. Which of the following can be inferred from Botanist 2’s viewpoint about organic fertilizers?
  • a)
    It is impossible to determine the proper amount of inorganic fertilizer to apply.
  • b)
    The levels of essential macronutrients are closer to those that occur naturally.
  • c)
    Organic fertilizers are useless in achieving and promoting plant growth.
  • d)
    Organic fertilizers can reduce the amount of necessary nutrients in the soil.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Directions: Read the passages and choose the best answer to each quest...
The best answer is d. Botanist 2 says, “Organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil,” which suggests that when organic fertilizers are used over time, the nitrogen in the soil will be depleted. This information best supports answer choice d, because nitrogen is mentioned as a necessary nutrient.
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Most Upvoted Answer
Directions: Read the passages and choose the best answer to each quest...
Explanation:

Organic Fertilizers and Nutrient Reduction
- Botanist 2's viewpoint suggests that organic fertilizers can lead to a reduction in the amount of necessary nutrients in the soil.
- Organic fertilizers are lower in nutrient content compared to inorganic fertilizers, requiring larger amounts to achieve the same level of nutrient delivery.
- The characteristics of organic fertilizers necessitate application well in advance for the materials to break down and be available to plants.

Nitrogen Depletion with Organic Fertilizers
- Botanist 2 mentions that organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil and plants.
- This suggests that organic fertilizers may not immediately provide plants with the necessary nitrogen for optimal growth.
Therefore, based on Botanist 2's perspective, it can be inferred that organic fertilizers have the potential to reduce the amount of essential nutrients in the soil, particularly nitrogen, compared to inorganic fertilizers.
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Directions: Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageA number of different chemical elements are essential for the survival and growth of plants. The macronutrients— those nutrients required in the greatest quantity—are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These macronutrients are only available in the soil and generally come from the decay of other plants. To enrich the soil and make more of these essential nutrients available, many people use fertilizers to supply plants with the nutrients they need to grow faster. Two botanists discuss whether inorganic or organic fertilizers are most optimal for plant growth.Botanist 1In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available in the water and the air, and other micronutrients, such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, plants also need the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. The best way to supply the soil, and thus the plants, with the proper macronutrients is to apply organic fertilizers, as opposed to commercial inorganic fertilizers. Organic nutrients include cow, poultry, horse, and sheep manures.Green manure—a crop that is grown for a specific period of time, then plowed and incorporated into the soil—and compost can also be used. Organic fertilization mimics the natural breakdown of organic material into nutrients for which the plants can use. In other words, organic fertilizer provides a naturally slow release of nutrients as the organic material breaks down in the soil, reducing the likelihood of over-fertilization. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure in the long term and improve the ability of sandy soils to hold water, which is immensely important in arid climates. Commercial inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, are often applied too heavily, damaging the roots of the plants. Inorganic fertilizers can also cause chemical imbalances in the soil because they can build up a toxic concentration of salts in the soil.Botanist 2Plant growth and survival depends on an adequate supply of essential nutrients that cannot always be found in the soil. Inorganic commercial fertilizers have many benefits over organic fertilizers. The elements in inorganic fertilizers have been thoroughly measured and tested, insuring that each application provides the appropriate amount ofnutrients to the plants, as opposed to the highly variable, and often unknown, nutrient content of organic fertilizers.Organic fertilizers are usually lower in nutrient content than inorganic fertilizers, requiring more of the organic material to be applied to achieve the same level of nutrient delivery acquired from the application of smaller amounts of inorganic material. In addition, characteristics of organic fertilizer require application well in advance of need to ensure that the materials have broken down and can be used by the plant. Inorganic fertilizers, however, once applied, offer immediate availability of nutrients to plants for use.The likelihood of nitrogen depletion is another disadvantage of organic fertilizers. Organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil and therefore in the plants that depend on it. Inorganic fertilizer use does not present this problem.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from Botanist 2’s viewpoint about organic fertilizers?a)It is impossible to determine the proper amount of inorganic fertilizer to apply.b)The levels of essential macronutrients are closer to those that occur naturally.c)Organic fertilizers are useless in achieving and promoting plant growth.d)Organic fertilizers can reduce the amount of necessary nutrients in the soil.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Directions: Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageA number of different chemical elements are essential for the survival and growth of plants. The macronutrients— those nutrients required in the greatest quantity—are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These macronutrients are only available in the soil and generally come from the decay of other plants. To enrich the soil and make more of these essential nutrients available, many people use fertilizers to supply plants with the nutrients they need to grow faster. Two botanists discuss whether inorganic or organic fertilizers are most optimal for plant growth.Botanist 1In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available in the water and the air, and other micronutrients, such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, plants also need the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. The best way to supply the soil, and thus the plants, with the proper macronutrients is to apply organic fertilizers, as opposed to commercial inorganic fertilizers. Organic nutrients include cow, poultry, horse, and sheep manures.Green manure—a crop that is grown for a specific period of time, then plowed and incorporated into the soil—and compost can also be used. Organic fertilization mimics the natural breakdown of organic material into nutrients for which the plants can use. In other words, organic fertilizer provides a naturally slow release of nutrients as the organic material breaks down in the soil, reducing the likelihood of over-fertilization. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure in the long term and improve the ability of sandy soils to hold water, which is immensely important in arid climates. Commercial inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, are often applied too heavily, damaging the roots of the plants. Inorganic fertilizers can also cause chemical imbalances in the soil because they can build up a toxic concentration of salts in the soil.Botanist 2Plant growth and survival depends on an adequate supply of essential nutrients that cannot always be found in the soil. Inorganic commercial fertilizers have many benefits over organic fertilizers. The elements in inorganic fertilizers have been thoroughly measured and tested, insuring that each application provides the appropriate amount ofnutrients to the plants, as opposed to the highly variable, and often unknown, nutrient content of organic fertilizers.Organic fertilizers are usually lower in nutrient content than inorganic fertilizers, requiring more of the organic material to be applied to achieve the same level of nutrient delivery acquired from the application of smaller amounts of inorganic material. In addition, characteristics of organic fertilizer require application well in advance of need to ensure that the materials have broken down and can be used by the plant. Inorganic fertilizers, however, once applied, offer immediate availability of nutrients to plants for use.The likelihood of nitrogen depletion is another disadvantage of organic fertilizers. Organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil and therefore in the plants that depend on it. Inorganic fertilizer use does not present this problem.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from Botanist 2’s viewpoint about organic fertilizers?a)It is impossible to determine the proper amount of inorganic fertilizer to apply.b)The levels of essential macronutrients are closer to those that occur naturally.c)Organic fertilizers are useless in achieving and promoting plant growth.d)Organic fertilizers can reduce the amount of necessary nutrients in the soil.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for ACT 2025 is part of ACT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the ACT exam syllabus. Information about Directions: Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageA number of different chemical elements are essential for the survival and growth of plants. The macronutrients— those nutrients required in the greatest quantity—are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These macronutrients are only available in the soil and generally come from the decay of other plants. To enrich the soil and make more of these essential nutrients available, many people use fertilizers to supply plants with the nutrients they need to grow faster. Two botanists discuss whether inorganic or organic fertilizers are most optimal for plant growth.Botanist 1In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available in the water and the air, and other micronutrients, such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, plants also need the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. The best way to supply the soil, and thus the plants, with the proper macronutrients is to apply organic fertilizers, as opposed to commercial inorganic fertilizers. Organic nutrients include cow, poultry, horse, and sheep manures.Green manure—a crop that is grown for a specific period of time, then plowed and incorporated into the soil—and compost can also be used. Organic fertilization mimics the natural breakdown of organic material into nutrients for which the plants can use. In other words, organic fertilizer provides a naturally slow release of nutrients as the organic material breaks down in the soil, reducing the likelihood of over-fertilization. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure in the long term and improve the ability of sandy soils to hold water, which is immensely important in arid climates. Commercial inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, are often applied too heavily, damaging the roots of the plants. Inorganic fertilizers can also cause chemical imbalances in the soil because they can build up a toxic concentration of salts in the soil.Botanist 2Plant growth and survival depends on an adequate supply of essential nutrients that cannot always be found in the soil. Inorganic commercial fertilizers have many benefits over organic fertilizers. The elements in inorganic fertilizers have been thoroughly measured and tested, insuring that each application provides the appropriate amount ofnutrients to the plants, as opposed to the highly variable, and often unknown, nutrient content of organic fertilizers.Organic fertilizers are usually lower in nutrient content than inorganic fertilizers, requiring more of the organic material to be applied to achieve the same level of nutrient delivery acquired from the application of smaller amounts of inorganic material. In addition, characteristics of organic fertilizer require application well in advance of need to ensure that the materials have broken down and can be used by the plant. Inorganic fertilizers, however, once applied, offer immediate availability of nutrients to plants for use.The likelihood of nitrogen depletion is another disadvantage of organic fertilizers. Organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil and therefore in the plants that depend on it. Inorganic fertilizer use does not present this problem.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from Botanist 2’s viewpoint about organic fertilizers?a)It is impossible to determine the proper amount of inorganic fertilizer to apply.b)The levels of essential macronutrients are closer to those that occur naturally.c)Organic fertilizers are useless in achieving and promoting plant growth.d)Organic fertilizers can reduce the amount of necessary nutrients in the soil.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for ACT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions: Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageA number of different chemical elements are essential for the survival and growth of plants. The macronutrients— those nutrients required in the greatest quantity—are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These macronutrients are only available in the soil and generally come from the decay of other plants. To enrich the soil and make more of these essential nutrients available, many people use fertilizers to supply plants with the nutrients they need to grow faster. Two botanists discuss whether inorganic or organic fertilizers are most optimal for plant growth.Botanist 1In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available in the water and the air, and other micronutrients, such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, plants also need the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. The best way to supply the soil, and thus the plants, with the proper macronutrients is to apply organic fertilizers, as opposed to commercial inorganic fertilizers. Organic nutrients include cow, poultry, horse, and sheep manures.Green manure—a crop that is grown for a specific period of time, then plowed and incorporated into the soil—and compost can also be used. Organic fertilization mimics the natural breakdown of organic material into nutrients for which the plants can use. In other words, organic fertilizer provides a naturally slow release of nutrients as the organic material breaks down in the soil, reducing the likelihood of over-fertilization. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure in the long term and improve the ability of sandy soils to hold water, which is immensely important in arid climates. Commercial inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, are often applied too heavily, damaging the roots of the plants. Inorganic fertilizers can also cause chemical imbalances in the soil because they can build up a toxic concentration of salts in the soil.Botanist 2Plant growth and survival depends on an adequate supply of essential nutrients that cannot always be found in the soil. Inorganic commercial fertilizers have many benefits over organic fertilizers. The elements in inorganic fertilizers have been thoroughly measured and tested, insuring that each application provides the appropriate amount ofnutrients to the plants, as opposed to the highly variable, and often unknown, nutrient content of organic fertilizers.Organic fertilizers are usually lower in nutrient content than inorganic fertilizers, requiring more of the organic material to be applied to achieve the same level of nutrient delivery acquired from the application of smaller amounts of inorganic material. In addition, characteristics of organic fertilizer require application well in advance of need to ensure that the materials have broken down and can be used by the plant. Inorganic fertilizers, however, once applied, offer immediate availability of nutrients to plants for use.The likelihood of nitrogen depletion is another disadvantage of organic fertilizers. Organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil and therefore in the plants that depend on it. Inorganic fertilizer use does not present this problem.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from Botanist 2’s viewpoint about organic fertilizers?a)It is impossible to determine the proper amount of inorganic fertilizer to apply.b)The levels of essential macronutrients are closer to those that occur naturally.c)Organic fertilizers are useless in achieving and promoting plant growth.d)Organic fertilizers can reduce the amount of necessary nutrients in the soil.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Directions: Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageA number of different chemical elements are essential for the survival and growth of plants. The macronutrients— those nutrients required in the greatest quantity—are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These macronutrients are only available in the soil and generally come from the decay of other plants. To enrich the soil and make more of these essential nutrients available, many people use fertilizers to supply plants with the nutrients they need to grow faster. Two botanists discuss whether inorganic or organic fertilizers are most optimal for plant growth.Botanist 1In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available in the water and the air, and other micronutrients, such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, plants also need the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. The best way to supply the soil, and thus the plants, with the proper macronutrients is to apply organic fertilizers, as opposed to commercial inorganic fertilizers. Organic nutrients include cow, poultry, horse, and sheep manures.Green manure—a crop that is grown for a specific period of time, then plowed and incorporated into the soil—and compost can also be used. Organic fertilization mimics the natural breakdown of organic material into nutrients for which the plants can use. In other words, organic fertilizer provides a naturally slow release of nutrients as the organic material breaks down in the soil, reducing the likelihood of over-fertilization. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure in the long term and improve the ability of sandy soils to hold water, which is immensely important in arid climates. Commercial inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, are often applied too heavily, damaging the roots of the plants. Inorganic fertilizers can also cause chemical imbalances in the soil because they can build up a toxic concentration of salts in the soil.Botanist 2Plant growth and survival depends on an adequate supply of essential nutrients that cannot always be found in the soil. Inorganic commercial fertilizers have many benefits over organic fertilizers. The elements in inorganic fertilizers have been thoroughly measured and tested, insuring that each application provides the appropriate amount ofnutrients to the plants, as opposed to the highly variable, and often unknown, nutrient content of organic fertilizers.Organic fertilizers are usually lower in nutrient content than inorganic fertilizers, requiring more of the organic material to be applied to achieve the same level of nutrient delivery acquired from the application of smaller amounts of inorganic material. In addition, characteristics of organic fertilizer require application well in advance of need to ensure that the materials have broken down and can be used by the plant. Inorganic fertilizers, however, once applied, offer immediate availability of nutrients to plants for use.The likelihood of nitrogen depletion is another disadvantage of organic fertilizers. Organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil and therefore in the plants that depend on it. Inorganic fertilizer use does not present this problem.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from Botanist 2’s viewpoint about organic fertilizers?a)It is impossible to determine the proper amount of inorganic fertilizer to apply.b)The levels of essential macronutrients are closer to those that occur naturally.c)Organic fertilizers are useless in achieving and promoting plant growth.d)Organic fertilizers can reduce the amount of necessary nutrients in the soil.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for ACT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for ACT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Directions: Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageA number of different chemical elements are essential for the survival and growth of plants. The macronutrients— those nutrients required in the greatest quantity—are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These macronutrients are only available in the soil and generally come from the decay of other plants. To enrich the soil and make more of these essential nutrients available, many people use fertilizers to supply plants with the nutrients they need to grow faster. Two botanists discuss whether inorganic or organic fertilizers are most optimal for plant growth.Botanist 1In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available in the water and the air, and other micronutrients, such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, plants also need the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. The best way to supply the soil, and thus the plants, with the proper macronutrients is to apply organic fertilizers, as opposed to commercial inorganic fertilizers. Organic nutrients include cow, poultry, horse, and sheep manures.Green manure—a crop that is grown for a specific period of time, then plowed and incorporated into the soil—and compost can also be used. Organic fertilization mimics the natural breakdown of organic material into nutrients for which the plants can use. In other words, organic fertilizer provides a naturally slow release of nutrients as the organic material breaks down in the soil, reducing the likelihood of over-fertilization. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure in the long term and improve the ability of sandy soils to hold water, which is immensely important in arid climates. Commercial inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, are often applied too heavily, damaging the roots of the plants. Inorganic fertilizers can also cause chemical imbalances in the soil because they can build up a toxic concentration of salts in the soil.Botanist 2Plant growth and survival depends on an adequate supply of essential nutrients that cannot always be found in the soil. Inorganic commercial fertilizers have many benefits over organic fertilizers. The elements in inorganic fertilizers have been thoroughly measured and tested, insuring that each application provides the appropriate amount ofnutrients to the plants, as opposed to the highly variable, and often unknown, nutrient content of organic fertilizers.Organic fertilizers are usually lower in nutrient content than inorganic fertilizers, requiring more of the organic material to be applied to achieve the same level of nutrient delivery acquired from the application of smaller amounts of inorganic material. In addition, characteristics of organic fertilizer require application well in advance of need to ensure that the materials have broken down and can be used by the plant. Inorganic fertilizers, however, once applied, offer immediate availability of nutrients to plants for use.The likelihood of nitrogen depletion is another disadvantage of organic fertilizers. Organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil and therefore in the plants that depend on it. Inorganic fertilizer use does not present this problem.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from Botanist 2’s viewpoint about organic fertilizers?a)It is impossible to determine the proper amount of inorganic fertilizer to apply.b)The levels of essential macronutrients are closer to those that occur naturally.c)Organic fertilizers are useless in achieving and promoting plant growth.d)Organic fertilizers can reduce the amount of necessary nutrients in the soil.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions: Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageA number of different chemical elements are essential for the survival and growth of plants. The macronutrients— those nutrients required in the greatest quantity—are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These macronutrients are only available in the soil and generally come from the decay of other plants. To enrich the soil and make more of these essential nutrients available, many people use fertilizers to supply plants with the nutrients they need to grow faster. Two botanists discuss whether inorganic or organic fertilizers are most optimal for plant growth.Botanist 1In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available in the water and the air, and other micronutrients, such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, plants also need the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. The best way to supply the soil, and thus the plants, with the proper macronutrients is to apply organic fertilizers, as opposed to commercial inorganic fertilizers. Organic nutrients include cow, poultry, horse, and sheep manures.Green manure—a crop that is grown for a specific period of time, then plowed and incorporated into the soil—and compost can also be used. Organic fertilization mimics the natural breakdown of organic material into nutrients for which the plants can use. In other words, organic fertilizer provides a naturally slow release of nutrients as the organic material breaks down in the soil, reducing the likelihood of over-fertilization. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure in the long term and improve the ability of sandy soils to hold water, which is immensely important in arid climates. Commercial inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, are often applied too heavily, damaging the roots of the plants. Inorganic fertilizers can also cause chemical imbalances in the soil because they can build up a toxic concentration of salts in the soil.Botanist 2Plant growth and survival depends on an adequate supply of essential nutrients that cannot always be found in the soil. Inorganic commercial fertilizers have many benefits over organic fertilizers. The elements in inorganic fertilizers have been thoroughly measured and tested, insuring that each application provides the appropriate amount ofnutrients to the plants, as opposed to the highly variable, and often unknown, nutrient content of organic fertilizers.Organic fertilizers are usually lower in nutrient content than inorganic fertilizers, requiring more of the organic material to be applied to achieve the same level of nutrient delivery acquired from the application of smaller amounts of inorganic material. In addition, characteristics of organic fertilizer require application well in advance of need to ensure that the materials have broken down and can be used by the plant. Inorganic fertilizers, however, once applied, offer immediate availability of nutrients to plants for use.The likelihood of nitrogen depletion is another disadvantage of organic fertilizers. Organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil and therefore in the plants that depend on it. Inorganic fertilizer use does not present this problem.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from Botanist 2’s viewpoint about organic fertilizers?a)It is impossible to determine the proper amount of inorganic fertilizer to apply.b)The levels of essential macronutrients are closer to those that occur naturally.c)Organic fertilizers are useless in achieving and promoting plant growth.d)Organic fertilizers can reduce the amount of necessary nutrients in the soil.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions: Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageA number of different chemical elements are essential for the survival and growth of plants. The macronutrients— those nutrients required in the greatest quantity—are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These macronutrients are only available in the soil and generally come from the decay of other plants. To enrich the soil and make more of these essential nutrients available, many people use fertilizers to supply plants with the nutrients they need to grow faster. Two botanists discuss whether inorganic or organic fertilizers are most optimal for plant growth.Botanist 1In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available in the water and the air, and other micronutrients, such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, plants also need the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. The best way to supply the soil, and thus the plants, with the proper macronutrients is to apply organic fertilizers, as opposed to commercial inorganic fertilizers. Organic nutrients include cow, poultry, horse, and sheep manures.Green manure—a crop that is grown for a specific period of time, then plowed and incorporated into the soil—and compost can also be used. Organic fertilization mimics the natural breakdown of organic material into nutrients for which the plants can use. In other words, organic fertilizer provides a naturally slow release of nutrients as the organic material breaks down in the soil, reducing the likelihood of over-fertilization. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure in the long term and improve the ability of sandy soils to hold water, which is immensely important in arid climates. Commercial inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, are often applied too heavily, damaging the roots of the plants. Inorganic fertilizers can also cause chemical imbalances in the soil because they can build up a toxic concentration of salts in the soil.Botanist 2Plant growth and survival depends on an adequate supply of essential nutrients that cannot always be found in the soil. Inorganic commercial fertilizers have many benefits over organic fertilizers. The elements in inorganic fertilizers have been thoroughly measured and tested, insuring that each application provides the appropriate amount ofnutrients to the plants, as opposed to the highly variable, and often unknown, nutrient content of organic fertilizers.Organic fertilizers are usually lower in nutrient content than inorganic fertilizers, requiring more of the organic material to be applied to achieve the same level of nutrient delivery acquired from the application of smaller amounts of inorganic material. In addition, characteristics of organic fertilizer require application well in advance of need to ensure that the materials have broken down and can be used by the plant. Inorganic fertilizers, however, once applied, offer immediate availability of nutrients to plants for use.The likelihood of nitrogen depletion is another disadvantage of organic fertilizers. Organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil and therefore in the plants that depend on it. Inorganic fertilizer use does not present this problem.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from Botanist 2’s viewpoint about organic fertilizers?a)It is impossible to determine the proper amount of inorganic fertilizer to apply.b)The levels of essential macronutrients are closer to those that occur naturally.c)Organic fertilizers are useless in achieving and promoting plant growth.d)Organic fertilizers can reduce the amount of necessary nutrients in the soil.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions: Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageA number of different chemical elements are essential for the survival and growth of plants. The macronutrients— those nutrients required in the greatest quantity—are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These macronutrients are only available in the soil and generally come from the decay of other plants. To enrich the soil and make more of these essential nutrients available, many people use fertilizers to supply plants with the nutrients they need to grow faster. Two botanists discuss whether inorganic or organic fertilizers are most optimal for plant growth.Botanist 1In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available in the water and the air, and other micronutrients, such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, plants also need the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. The best way to supply the soil, and thus the plants, with the proper macronutrients is to apply organic fertilizers, as opposed to commercial inorganic fertilizers. Organic nutrients include cow, poultry, horse, and sheep manures.Green manure—a crop that is grown for a specific period of time, then plowed and incorporated into the soil—and compost can also be used. Organic fertilization mimics the natural breakdown of organic material into nutrients for which the plants can use. In other words, organic fertilizer provides a naturally slow release of nutrients as the organic material breaks down in the soil, reducing the likelihood of over-fertilization. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure in the long term and improve the ability of sandy soils to hold water, which is immensely important in arid climates. Commercial inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, are often applied too heavily, damaging the roots of the plants. Inorganic fertilizers can also cause chemical imbalances in the soil because they can build up a toxic concentration of salts in the soil.Botanist 2Plant growth and survival depends on an adequate supply of essential nutrients that cannot always be found in the soil. Inorganic commercial fertilizers have many benefits over organic fertilizers. The elements in inorganic fertilizers have been thoroughly measured and tested, insuring that each application provides the appropriate amount ofnutrients to the plants, as opposed to the highly variable, and often unknown, nutrient content of organic fertilizers.Organic fertilizers are usually lower in nutrient content than inorganic fertilizers, requiring more of the organic material to be applied to achieve the same level of nutrient delivery acquired from the application of smaller amounts of inorganic material. In addition, characteristics of organic fertilizer require application well in advance of need to ensure that the materials have broken down and can be used by the plant. Inorganic fertilizers, however, once applied, offer immediate availability of nutrients to plants for use.The likelihood of nitrogen depletion is another disadvantage of organic fertilizers. Organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil and therefore in the plants that depend on it. Inorganic fertilizer use does not present this problem.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from Botanist 2’s viewpoint about organic fertilizers?a)It is impossible to determine the proper amount of inorganic fertilizer to apply.b)The levels of essential macronutrients are closer to those that occur naturally.c)Organic fertilizers are useless in achieving and promoting plant growth.d)Organic fertilizers can reduce the amount of necessary nutrients in the soil.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions: Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageA number of different chemical elements are essential for the survival and growth of plants. The macronutrients— those nutrients required in the greatest quantity—are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These macronutrients are only available in the soil and generally come from the decay of other plants. To enrich the soil and make more of these essential nutrients available, many people use fertilizers to supply plants with the nutrients they need to grow faster. Two botanists discuss whether inorganic or organic fertilizers are most optimal for plant growth.Botanist 1In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available in the water and the air, and other micronutrients, such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, plants also need the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. The best way to supply the soil, and thus the plants, with the proper macronutrients is to apply organic fertilizers, as opposed to commercial inorganic fertilizers. Organic nutrients include cow, poultry, horse, and sheep manures.Green manure—a crop that is grown for a specific period of time, then plowed and incorporated into the soil—and compost can also be used. Organic fertilization mimics the natural breakdown of organic material into nutrients for which the plants can use. In other words, organic fertilizer provides a naturally slow release of nutrients as the organic material breaks down in the soil, reducing the likelihood of over-fertilization. Organic fertilizers also improve soil structure in the long term and improve the ability of sandy soils to hold water, which is immensely important in arid climates. Commercial inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, are often applied too heavily, damaging the roots of the plants. Inorganic fertilizers can also cause chemical imbalances in the soil because they can build up a toxic concentration of salts in the soil.Botanist 2Plant growth and survival depends on an adequate supply of essential nutrients that cannot always be found in the soil. Inorganic commercial fertilizers have many benefits over organic fertilizers. The elements in inorganic fertilizers have been thoroughly measured and tested, insuring that each application provides the appropriate amount ofnutrients to the plants, as opposed to the highly variable, and often unknown, nutrient content of organic fertilizers.Organic fertilizers are usually lower in nutrient content than inorganic fertilizers, requiring more of the organic material to be applied to achieve the same level of nutrient delivery acquired from the application of smaller amounts of inorganic material. In addition, characteristics of organic fertilizer require application well in advance of need to ensure that the materials have broken down and can be used by the plant. Inorganic fertilizers, however, once applied, offer immediate availability of nutrients to plants for use.The likelihood of nitrogen depletion is another disadvantage of organic fertilizers. Organic material can cause a temporary depletion of nitrogen in the soil and therefore in the plants that depend on it. Inorganic fertilizer use does not present this problem.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from Botanist 2’s viewpoint about organic fertilizers?a)It is impossible to determine the proper amount of inorganic fertilizer to apply.b)The levels of essential macronutrients are closer to those that occur naturally.c)Organic fertilizers are useless in achieving and promoting plant growth.d)Organic fertilizers can reduce the amount of necessary nutrients in the soil.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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