Reviving the Earth Quiz Quiz

Explore important techniques and challenges in soil reclamation for sustainable agriculture. Assess your understanding of how degraded soils can be restored to productivity.

1. Purpose of Soil Reclamation

   What is the main goal of soil reclamation in agriculture?

   1. Enhance crop flavor
   2. Increase pesticide application
   3. Restore soil fertility and productivity
   4. Reduce irrigation costs only

   Explanation: The main goal of soil reclamation is to restore soil fertility and productivity, allowing degraded land to support crops again. Increasing pesticide application does not address soil issues, while enhancing crop flavor and only reducing irrigation costs are not central to reclamation aims.

2. Saline Soil Reclamation Technique

   Which method is commonly used to reclaim saline soils in agricultural fields?

   1. Leaching with fresh water
   2. Planting drought-resistant crops
   3. Applying lime
   4. Increasing fertilizer use

   Explanation: Leaching with fresh water washes excessive salts from the soil, making it suitable for crops. Planting drought-resistant crops or adding fertilizer does not remove salt, and applying lime is mainly for acidic, not saline, soils.

3. Green Manure Use in Reclamation

   How does adding green manure contribute to soil reclamation?

   1. Reduces sunlight for weeds by covering soil
   2. Solely provides immediate crop nutrition
   3. Increases organic matter and improves soil structure
   4. Removes heavy metals instantly

   Explanation: Green manure increases organic matter and helps improve soil structure, which benefits long-term soil fertility. It does more than provide short-term nutrition and does not instantly remove heavy metals or simply block sunlight for weeds.

4. Identifying Acidic Soils

   Which indicator suggests a soil is acidic and may require reclamation?

   1. Abundant earthworm activity
   2. Low pH below 6
   3. Presence of white salt crust
   4. Dark, sticky texture

   Explanation: A low pH below 6 indicates soil acidity, often needing reclamation. White salt crust signals salinity, not acidity. Dark, sticky texture relates to clay content, and earthworms usually signal healthy, neutral soils.

5. Common Challenge in Soil Reclamation

   What is a frequent challenge faced during the soil reclamation process?

   1. Permanent elimination of all weeds
   2. High cost and long-term commitment
   3. Immediate crop yield increase
   4. Overnight soil fertility improvement

   Explanation: Soil reclamation often requires significant investment and time to restore soil health. Immediate yield increases and overnight improvements are unrealistic, and weeds cannot be permanently eliminated through reclamation alone.