UPSC Prelims 2019 Question:

Consider the following statements:

1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into the environment. 
2. Cattle release ammonia into the environment. 
3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into the environment.
   
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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)