Cambridge IGCSE · Agriculture (0600)

Soil fertility: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Soil fertility.

10 questions21 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which plant nutrient is primarily responsible for promoting vegetative growth and the development of healthy, green leaves?

Question 2

1 mark

A soil test reveals a very low pH level. Why might this lead to poor crop growth even if fertilisers are applied?

Question 3

1 mark

In the nitrogen cycle, which process involves the conversion of nitrates \( (NO_3^-) \) into atmospheric nitrogen gas \( (N_2) \) by bacteria in anaerobic conditions, such as waterlogged soil?

Question 4

1 mark

What is a visible sign of phosphorus deficiency in a growing crop?

Question 5

1 mark

In the nitrogen cycle, what is the name of the process where bacteria convert nitrates \( (NO_3^-) \) back into nitrogen gas \( (N_2) \), often occurring in waterlogged soils?

Question 6

2 marks

State two benefits of incorporating compost into the soil to maintain fertility.

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Question 7

3 marks

Explain how the inclusion of legumes in a crop rotation system helps to maintain soil fertility without the immediate addition of synthetic fertilisers.

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Question 8

5 marks

Describe the specific role of denitrifying bacteria within the nitrogen cycle and state the specific soil conditions that promote their activity.

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Question 9

2 marks

Organic matter is vital for maintaining soil health.
(a) Name one specific example of an organic fertiliser used on a farm.
(b) State one way organic matter improves the physical structure of sandy soil.

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Question 10

4 marks

Legumes are often included in crop rotations to improve soil fertility.
(a) Explain the biological mechanism by which legumes increase soil nitrogen levels.
(b) Identify one inorganic fertiliser that is considered a compound fertiliser, providing more than one major nutrient.

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