Soil pollution occurs due to the accumulation of harmful chemicals, industrial waste, pesticides and plastics in soil. It affects agriculture, biodiversity and human health.
With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements :
High content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
Correct Answer:
(B) 3 only
Soil water holding capacity is the amount of water that a given soil can hold for crop use. Soil texture and organic matter are the key components that determines soil water holding capacity. Organic matter influences the physical conditions of soil in several ways. Plant residues that cover the soil surface, prevent the soil from sealing and crusting by raindrop impact, thereby enhancing rainwater infiltration and reducing runoff organic matter improves the water holding capacity of the soil. Sulphur is one of the three nutrients that are cycled between the soil, living matter and the atmosphere. Salinization is a major problem associated with irrigation because deposits of salts build up in the soil and can reach levels that are harmful to crops.
Ques: 2
Consider the following:
Neem coating of Urea.
PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
Soil health management under NMSA.
Which of the given above are the initiatives related to soil conservation:
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of the above
Government Initiatives Related to Soil Conservation:
Soil Health Management under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) – Soil Health Card Scheme.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Neem Coating of Urea
Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme
Five-pronged strategy for soil conservation
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
PM-PRANAM Scheme
Ques: 3
Consider the following statements regarding Soil Pollution:
1. Soil Pollution is the presence of toxic chemicals to pose a risk to human health and the ecosystem.
2. Soil Pollution is not considered as Environmental Pollution.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A) 1 only
Soil Pollution is the presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants) in soil in high enough concentrations to pose a risk to human health and the ecosystem.
The contaminating substances that cause soil pollution are called Soil Pollutants.
Soil Pollution is one of the prominent types of Environmental Pollution.
Ques: 4
Consider the following statements regarding Plastic bags:
They accumulate in soil and prevents germination of seeds.
They stay in the soil for centuries without decomposing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C) Both 1 and 2
Plastic bags
They accumulate in soil and prevents germination of seeds. They stay in the soil for centuries without decomposing (non-biodegradable).
Burning of plastic in garbage dumps release highly toxic and poisonous gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phosgene, dioxins and other poisonous chlorinated compounds.
Toxic solid residue left after burning remains in the soil. The harmful gases enter soils through chemical cycles.
Ques: 5
Consider the following statements:
1. Soil naturally contains a few harmful chemicals.
2. The amounts of contaminants found naturally in soil are high enough to constitute a risk.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A) 1 only
"Soil Pollution"
Soil pollution is defined as the "adding of substances to the soil that has a negative impact on the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the soil and lowers its productivity."
It's a build-up of poisonous compounds, chemicals, salts, radioactive materials, or disease-causing agents in the soil that harm plant development and human and animal health.
Soil naturally contains a few harmful chemicals.
The amounts of contaminants found naturally in soil are not high enough to constitute a risk.
Soil pollution can also be defined as when the levels of contaminants in soil surpass the levels that should be present naturally.