Comprehension

In our quest to increase agricultural production during the last five decades or so, we almost totally neglected the use of compost and completely switched over to chemical fertilizers. The result is that large tracts of productive land have been adversely affected, water bodies including ground water system have suffered due to chemical contamination and demand for irrigation has been going up year after year. Farmers, in large numbers all over the country, have again started using compost made from organic wastes of different types. In certain parts of the country, cattle are maintained only because they produce dung which is an important fertilizer and soil conditioner.
Earthworms can convert organic matter into compost faster than the normal composting process. This process is now being widely used. Indirectly, the civic authorities are benefitted too as they have to dispose reduced quantity of waste.

Question: 1

How is civic authority getting benefitted due to biocomposting?

Updated On: Mar 27, 2025
  • They have to dispose increased quantity of waste
  • They don’t have to dispose any waste
  • Because civic authority has no role in waste management
  • They have to dispose reduced quantity of waste
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The Correct Option is D

Approach Solution - 1

Biocomposting reduces the amount of waste that civic authorities have to manage, improving efficiency in waste disposal.
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Approach Solution -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.
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Question: 2

Choose the correct statement concerned with the passage:

Updated On: Mar 27, 2025
  • Earthworm takes equal time to convert organic matter into compost with respect to normal composting process.
  • Earthworm takes more time to convert organic matter into compost with respect to normal composting process.
  • Earthworm takes less time to convert organic matter into compost with respect to normal composting process.
  • Comparison between earthworm based composting and normal composting cannot be made.
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The Correct Option is C

Approach Solution - 1

Earthworms convert organic matter into compost faster than the normal composting process.
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Approach Solution -2

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.
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Question: 3

Water bodies including ground water system have suffered due to:

Updated On: Mar 27, 2025
  • Biocomposting
  • Chemical contamination and increased demand for irrigation
  • Organic farming
  • Increased fertility of land
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The Correct Option is B

Approach Solution - 1

Water bodies have suffered due to chemical contamination and increased irrigation demands from the use of chemical fertilizers.
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Approach Solution -2

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.
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Question: 4

In certain parts of the country, cattle are maintained only because they ___________ .

Updated On: Mar 27, 2025
  • Produce milk to increase income of farmers
  • Produce dung which is an important fertilizer and soil conditioner
  • Work as insect repellents
  • Are a symbol of traditional ethics and values
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The Correct Option is B

Approach Solution - 1

Cattle are maintained because their dung is used as an important fertilizer and soil conditioner.
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Approach Solution -2

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.
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Question: 5

What should be the suitable title for the above passage?

Updated On: Mar 27, 2025
  • Biocomposting
  • Biopest Control
  • Traditional Knowledge and Practice
  • Uses of Chemical Fertilizers
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The Correct Option is A

Approach Solution - 1

The passage focuses on the benefits of biocomposting and its role in waste management and soil fertility.
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Approach Solution -2

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.
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