Consider the following statements regarding the burning of agricultural waste: 1. Burning dried leaves releases oxygen into the atmosphere. 2. Composting converts these wastes into useful manure. 3. These wastes can be converted into useful compost instead of being burnt. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation Agricultural waste management involves the disposal or recycling of organic residues. The choice of method-burning versus composting-has distinct environmental implications regarding air quality and soil health. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Burning dried leaves or biomass is a combustion process. Combustion consumes oxygen from the atmosphere and releases carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), carbon monoxide ($CO$), particulate matter, and other pollutants. Oxygen is released by plants during photosynthesis, not during burning. - Statement 2 is Correct: Composting is the natural degradation of organic matter by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) under controlled conditions. This process converts agricultural waste into nutrient-rich manure or humus, which is beneficial for soil fertility. - Statement 3 is Correct: Composting serves as a sustainable alternative to burning. Instead of releasing pollutants into the air through combustion, the organic waste is recycled to produce compost, thereby closing the nutrient cycle and reducing environmental pollution. Key Takeaway: Burning organic waste is a source of air pollution and greenhouse gases, whereas composting transforms waste into a resource (manure) without harmful emissions.

NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 3: Garbage in, garbage out

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Consider the following statements regarding the burning of agricultural waste:

Burning dried leaves releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
Composting converts these wastes into useful manure.
These wastes can be converted into useful compost instead of being burnt.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Agricultural waste management involves the disposal or recycling of organic residues. The choice of method-burning versus composting-has distinct environmental implications regarding air quality and soil health.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Burning dried leaves or biomass is a combustion process. Combustion consumes oxygen from the atmosphere and releases carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), carbon monoxide ($CO$), particulate matter, and other pollutants. Oxygen is released by plants during photosynthesis, not during burning.
Statement 2 is Correct: Composting is the natural degradation of organic matter by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) under controlled conditions. This process converts agricultural waste into nutrient-rich manure or humus, which is beneficial for soil fertility.
Statement 3 is Correct: Composting serves as a sustainable alternative to burning. Instead of releasing pollutants into the air through combustion, the organic waste is recycled to produce compost, thereby closing the nutrient cycle and reducing environmental pollution.

Key Takeaway: Burning organic waste is a source of air pollution and greenhouse gases, whereas composting transforms waste into a resource (manure) without harmful emissions.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Garbage in, garbage out

With reference to the disposal of garbage in landfills, consider the following statements: 1. A landfill is an open low-lying area used to dump both useful and non-useful components of garbage without separation. 2. Once full, a landfill is immediately used for agricultural purposes. 3. Landfill sites are often converted into parks or playgrounds after closure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to 'Vermicomposting', consider the following statements: 1. It is a method of preparing compost with the help of redworms. 2. Redworms are a type of chemical agent used to decompose waste. 3. This method requires the addition of chemical fertilizers to accelerate decomposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which environmental conditions are most conducive to the survival of redworms in a vermicomposting pit?

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Consider the following materials: 1. Vegetable peels 2. Coffee and tea remains 3. Pickles and vinegar 4. Milk preparations Which of the materials given above should NOT be added as food for redworms in a vermicomposting pit?

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In the anatomical organisation of a redworm, the structure known as the gizzard is primarily involved in which of the following functions?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 3: Garbage in, garbage out

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Burning dried leaves or biomass is a combustion process. Combustion consumes oxygen from the atmosphere and releases carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), carbon monoxide ($CO$), particulate matter, and other pollutants. Oxygen is released by plants during photosynthesis, not during burning.
Statement 2 is Correct: Composting is the natural degradation of organic matter by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) under controlled conditions. This process converts agricultural waste into nutrient-rich manure or humus, which is beneficial for soil fertility.
Statement 3 is Correct: Composting serves as a sustainable alternative to burning. Instead of releasing pollutants into the air through combustion, the organic waste is recycled to produce compost, thereby closing the nutrient cycle and reducing environmental pollution.

Key Takeaway: Burning organic waste is a source of air pollution and greenhouse gases, whereas composting transforms waste into a resource (manure) without harmful emissions.