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ONLiNE UPSC
Agriculture is increasingly affected by climate change, with crop growth vulnerable to fluctuating weather and environmental conditions. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and the emergence of new pests are just some of the challenges exacerbated by these climatic shifts.
These challenges are expected to worsen as climate change accelerates, emphasizing the need for immediate implementation of mitigation strategies to minimize future impacts on agriculture.
Biofertilizers offer a sustainable agricultural solution to counteract these climate impacts. Comprising beneficial microorganisms, they enrich soil nutrition, enhance plant growth, and promote soil health, which is essential for maintaining agricultural productivity over time.
These microorganisms play a crucial role in fixing nitrogen, mobilizing phosphorus, and releasing growth-promoting substances. This process bolsters plant nutrition and absorption efficiency, ultimately leading to increased biomass.
Biofertilizers act as a defense against environmental degradation. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, they do not foster pathogen growth or pollution, making them an effective strategy for mitigating climate change.
The eco-friendly nature of biofertilizers is gaining recognition, with the Indian bio-fertilizer market experiencing significant growth. This trend reflects a rising awareness and adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Biofertilizers are not solely focused on plant growth; they also enhance soil structure, improve water retention, and increase nutrient availability. These factors contribute to the overall health and resilience of farmland.
By promoting biological nitrogen fixation and synthesizing essential growth substances, biofertilizers reduce reliance on chemical nitrogen fertilizers, thus decreasing environmental risks associated with their use.
As agriculture grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, biofertilizers provide a practical solution. They enhance crop yields, maintain soil quality, reduce pollution, and ensure efficient nutrient delivery to plants.
Biofertilizers emerge as a cost-effective and accessible strategy for mitigating the impacts of global warming on agriculture, marking them as vital allies in the fight against climate change.
Q1. What are biofertilizers and how do they work?
Answer: Biofertilizers are natural fertilizers that contain beneficial microorganisms. They enhance soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, mobilizing nutrients, and promoting plant growth, leading to healthier crops.
Q2. How do biofertilizers compare to chemical fertilizers?
Answer: Unlike chemical fertilizers, biofertilizers improve soil health without causing pollution or pathogen growth. They provide a sustainable alternative that is more environmentally friendly.
Q3. Can biofertilizers improve crop yield?
Answer: Yes, biofertilizers can significantly enhance crop yield by improving nutrient availability, promoting healthy plant growth, and increasing soil resilience against climatic changes.
Q4. Are biofertilizers safe for the environment?
Answer: Absolutely. Biofertilizers are eco-friendly and do not contribute to environmental degradation or pollution, making them a safer choice for sustainable farming practices.
Q5. What is the future of biofertilizers in agriculture?
Answer: The future looks promising as awareness grows. Biofertilizers are expected to play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change on farming.
Question 1: What is the primary benefit of using biofertilizers in agriculture?
A) Increased chemical usage
B) Enhanced soil health and crop yield
C) Higher costs of production
D) Dependence on synthetic fertilizers
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How do biofertilizers contribute to environmental protection?
A) By increasing pesticide use
B) By promoting pathogen growth
C) By preventing soil degradation
D) By enhancing water pollution
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which of the following is a function of biofertilizers?
A) Fixing nitrogen
B) Decreasing soil fertility
C) Increasing soil erosion
D) Promoting chemical runoff
Correct Answer: A
Question 4: What market trend is observed with biofertilizers in India?
A) Declining awareness
B) Rapid growth and adoption
C) Decrease in usage
D) Increased chemical dependency
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What role do biofertilizers play in combating climate change effects on agriculture?
A) Decreasing crop resilience
B) Enhancing crop yields and soil quality
C) Increasing reliance on synthetic inputs
D) Reducing soil moisture
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: Which factor does NOT contribute to the effectiveness of biofertilizers?
A) Nutrient mobilization
B) Pathogen promotion
C) Growth substance synthesis
D) Nitrogen fixation
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: How do biofertilizers affect water retention in soil?
A) Decrease water retention
B) No effect on water retention
C) Improve water retention
D) Increase evaporation rates
Correct Answer: C
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