Q-11 Figure below shows the two crop fields (Plot A and Plot B) have been treated by
manures and chemical fertilizers respectively. Keeping other environmental factors same.
Observe the graph and answer the following questions:
(11)
Why does the plot B show sudden increases and then gradual decrease in yield?
Why is the highest peak in a plot A graph slightly delayed?
What is the reason for the different pattem of the two graphs?
[Plot A)
10
Manures
% Yield of the crop
[Plot B]
Chemical fertilizers
Quantity of amendment
Answers
Explanation:
(i) With addition of chemical fertilizer there is sudden increase in yield due to release of nutrients N,P,K etc in high quantity. The gradual decline in the graph may be due to continuous use and high quantity of chemicals which kills microbes useful for replenishing the organic matter in the soil. This decreases the soil fertility.
(ii) Manures supply small quantities of nutrients to the soil slowly as it contains large amounts of organic matter [Hint: importance of organic matter can be included]. It enriches soil with nutrients thereby increasing soil fertility continuously.
(iii) The difference in the two graphs indicate that use of manure is beneficial for long duration in cropping as the yield tends to remain high when the quantity of manure increases. In case of Plot B the chemical fertilizers may cause various problems when used continuously for long time .