Question

How is civic authority getting benefitted due to biocomposting?

• A. They have to dispose increased quantity of waste
• B. They don’t have to dispose any waste
• C. Because civic authority has no role in waste management
• D. They have to dispose reduced quantity of waste
• A. Earthworm takes equal time to convert organic matter into compost with respect to normal composting process.
• B. Earthworm takes more time to convert organic matter into compost with respect to normal composting process.
• C. Earthworm takes less time to convert organic matter into compost with respect to normal composting process.
• D. Comparison between earthworm based composting and normal composting cannot be made.
• A. Biocomposting
• B. Chemical contamination and increased demand for irrigation
• C. Organic farming
• D. Increased fertility of land
• A. Produce milk to increase income of farmers
• B. Produce dung which is an important fertilizer and soil conditioner
• C. Work as insect repellents
• D. Are a symbol of traditional ethics and values
• A. Biocomposting
• B. Biopest Control
• C. Traditional Knowledge and Practice
• D. Uses of Chemical Fertilizers

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Biocomposting benefits civic authorities primarily by reducing the amount of waste they need to manage. When organic waste is converted into compost, it is transformed into a useful product that can enhance soil fertility instead of remaining as waste. This process significantly reduces the volume of waste that would otherwise require landfilling or other disposal methods.
The advantages of biocomposting include: 

• Conversion of organic waste into valuable compost, thus reducing landfill usage.
• Reduction in chemical use, leading to improved environmental health as evidenced by less contamination of water bodies and soil.
• Promotion of sustainable practices in agriculture, as farmers increasingly opt for compost over chemical fertilizers.

In summary, biocomposting decreases the burden on civic authorities because they have to dispose of a reduced quantity of waste, as stated in the correct option: "They have to dispose reduced quantity of waste."

Answer 2

Biocomposting is an environmentally friendly process that involves converting organic waste, such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and other biodegradable materials, into nutrient-rich compost. This method reduces the volume of waste that civic authorities need to manage, which helps decrease the burden on landfill sites and waste processing facilities.

By turning organic waste into compost, biocomposting not only minimizes the amount of waste sent to landfills but also contributes to sustainability by producing a valuable resource. The compost can be used to enrich soil, improving agricultural productivity and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. This process improves efficiency in waste disposal by diverting waste from landfills and promoting recycling of organic materials.

In addition to reducing waste and creating useful compost, biocomposting supports the goal of a circular economy, where resources are reused, and waste is minimized. It also helps in lowering greenhouse gas emissions that result from the decomposition of organic matter in landfills, contributing to environmental conservation.

Answer 3

To determine the correct statement regarding the passage, we need to analyze the provided information:

The passage discusses a shift from chemical fertilizers to composting using organic waste, highlighting its environmental and agricultural benefits. Additionally, it explicitly states: "Earthworms can convert organic matter into compost faster than the normal composting process."

Now, let's evaluate the options: 

1. Earthworm takes equal time to convert organic matter into compost with respect to normal composting process.
2. Earthworm takes more time to convert organic matter into compost with respect to normal composting process.
3. Earthworm takes less time to convert organic matter into compost with respect to normal composting process.
4. Comparison between earthworm based composting and normal composting cannot be made.

The passage clearly states that earthworms speed up the composting process.

Therefore, option 3: Earthworm takes less time to convert organic matter into compost with respect to normal composting process. is the correct answer.

Answer 4

Earthworms play a crucial role in accelerating the composting process through a method known as worm composting or vermicomposting. These small but powerful creatures consume organic waste, such as food scraps and plant material, and break it down into nutrient-rich compost at a much faster rate than traditional composting methods.

As earthworms digest the organic matter, they produce castings (worm manure), which are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These castings not only enhance soil health but also promote the growth of plants by improving soil structure and water retention.

Compared to the conventional composting process, which can take several months, earthworms can speed up the breakdown of organic material, turning it into high-quality compost in a matter of weeks. This method is particularly beneficial for households and communities looking for efficient and environmentally friendly ways to recycle organic waste while producing valuable compost for gardening or agricultural use.

Answer 5

Water bodies, including ground water systems, have suffered due to chemical contamination and increased demand for irrigation. Over the past five decades, there has been a significant shift from using compost to relying on chemical fertilizers in agriculture. This move, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, has led to a series of environmental issues. Chemical fertilizers contribute to the contamination of water bodies, resulting in negative impacts on both surface and ground water quality. 

The increasing dependency on these chemical fertilizers also necessitates more irrigation. The constant need for water to support intensified agricultural activities places additional strain on water resources. This situation exacerbates the contamination problem since chemicals from fertilizers can easily leach into water systems through the increased irrigation water flow.

Overall, the environmental cost has been immense, prompting some farmers to revert to organic practices. Utilizing compost and organic methods, such as using earthworms for faster composting—commonly known as vermicomposting—helps mitigate these issues by reducing chemical usage and alleviating demand on water resources.

Answer 6

Water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, have faced significant degradation due to chemical contamination and the growing demands of irrigation, exacerbated by the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture. The runoff from agricultural fields, which often contains harmful chemicals, such as nitrates, phosphates, and pesticides, finds its way into nearby water sources.

The increased use of chemical fertilizers in farming has contributed to the contamination of water bodies in several ways. First, these fertilizers promote the growth of algae in water sources, a phenomenon known as eutrophication, which leads to oxygen depletion and the death of aquatic life. Additionally, chemicals like nitrates can leach into groundwater, posing a risk to drinking water supplies and contributing to health problems.

Furthermore, the demand for water to support irrigation in regions dependent on chemical fertilizers places additional pressure on water resources, often leading to the over-extraction of water from rivers and aquifers. This results in reduced water availability, further exacerbating the negative effects of contamination and impacting ecosystems, agriculture, and human communities that rely on these water bodies for their livelihood.

Answer 7

In certain regions, the maintenance of cattle is primarily for their dung, which is a vital component for enhancing soil quality and fertility. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, cattle dung is an organic material that enriches the soil by adding essential nutrients and improving soil structure. This practice stems from a broader agricultural trend towards organic composting after decades of reliance on chemical fertilizers, which have led to various environmental issues such as soil degradation and water contamination. 

The economic rationale for maintaining cattle primarily for dung is grounded in the need for sustainable agriculture. Organic fertilizers like cattle dung help rebuild soil ecosystems and reduce dependence on chemical inputs, ultimately leading to healthier crops and reducing environmental harm. This practice underscores the importance of traditional agricultural methods, which favor ecological balance over immediate financial gain.

Reason for Maintaining Cattle	Primary Impact
Produce dung which is an important fertilizer and soil conditioner	Soil enrichment and sustainable agriculture

In ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, farmers recognize cattle dung as a renewable resource essential for long-term soil health and productivity. The composting capability of cattle dung, particularly when combined with processes like vermicomposting, can significantly reduce the waste management burden on civic authorities by lowering the overall volume of waste needing disposal.

Answer 8

Cattle are primarily maintained for their role in agricultural systems, where their dung plays a crucial role as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. Cow dung is rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. It is used to enrich the soil, improving its fertility and promoting better crop yields.

In addition to being a valuable fertilizer, cattle dung serves as a soil conditioner by improving soil structure. It helps in increasing the water retention capacity of the soil, making it more resilient to drought conditions, and promotes better aeration, which is essential for root growth.

Moreover, using cattle dung as fertilizer reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers, making farming more sustainable and environmentally friendly. It also helps in recycling organic waste, reducing pollution, and contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.

Answer 9

To address the main theme of the passage, we first need to analyze its content. The passage discusses the negative impact of heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers and highlights a shift back to using organic compost made from various wastes. It emphasizes how biocomposting using earthworms improves soil quality faster than traditional methods. Therefore, the passage's focus is on the benefits and revival of composting methods in agriculture.

Given the options, the suitable title for the passage is: Biocomposting

This title encapsulates the key aspect discussed: the importance and renewed interest in compost-based fertilizers, contrasting with the issues caused by chemical fertilizers, and aligns with the details provided about composting techniques and their advantages.

Answer 10

The passage highlights the numerous benefits of biocomposting and underscores its significant role in both waste management and enhancing soil fertility. Biocomposting is an eco-friendly process that involves converting organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, into nutrient-rich compost through natural decomposition processes.

In terms of waste management, biocomposting helps reduce the volume of organic waste sent to landfills, which in turn minimizes the burden on municipal waste systems and reduces environmental pollution. It also prevents harmful gases like methane from being released into the atmosphere, a common problem associated with waste in landfills.

From the perspective of soil fertility, biocomposting enriches the soil with essential nutrients and organic matter, improving its structure, water retention capacity, and overall health. This results in healthier plants, better crop yields, and a more sustainable agricultural system. By recycling organic waste into valuable compost, biocomposting promotes a circular economy and contributes to environmental conservation.