Question

UPSC Prelims 2019 Question:

Consider the following statements:

Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into the environment.

Cattle release ammonia into the environment.

Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into the environment.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 2 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4: 1, 2 and 3

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Agricultural soils represent a very large, growing and global source of nitrogen oxides. A synthetic fertilizer use is the major direct source of nitrogen oxide from agricultural soils. So, statement 1 is correct.
India is globally the biggest source of ammonia emission, nearly double that of NOx emissions. Cattle account for 80% of the ammonia production. So, statement 2 is correct.
Reactive nitrogen includes oxides of nitrogen [nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and nitrous oxide (NO)] and amine derivatives [ammonia (NH), ammonium salts and urea]. Laying hen, broiler chicken, and turkey buildings emit over 4 times as much NO as swine housing. Thus, Poultry industry releases significant reactive nitrogen compounds into the environment. So, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Geography | Agriculture and Allied Sectors(geo)

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