Consider the following statements regarding the nutrient content of Manure vs Fertiliser: 1. Manure is richer in plant nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus compared to fertilisers. 2. Fertilisers are very rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. 3. Manure provides humus which fertilisers do not. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Soil amendments are categorized into manures and fertilizers based on their source and nutrient composition. Manures are natural organic substances obtained by the decomposition of cattle dung and plant residues, whereas fertilizers are inorganic salts or commercially produced chemicals designed to supply specific plant nutrients. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Manure contains organic matter in large quantities but supplies specific nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in very small quantities. In contrast, fertilizers are nutrient-specific and highly concentrated. - Statement 2 is Correct: Fertilizers are manufactured to be very rich in essential plant nutrients, specifically Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK). They ensure healthy vegetative growth (leaves, branches, and flowers) by providing these nutrients in a readily soluble form. - Statement 3 is Correct: Manure provides a significant amount of humus to the soil. Humus improves the physical texture of the soil, increases water-holding capacity in sandy soils, and aids drainage in clayey soils. Fertilizers, being chemical substances, do not contribute organic matter or humus to the soil. Key Takeaway: Fertilizers are nutrient-dense but lack organic matter, whereas manure is nutrient-poor but rich in humus, which is essential for maintaining soil structure and microbial health.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 1: Crop production and management

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the nutrient content of Manure vs Fertiliser:

Manure is richer in plant nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus compared to fertilisers.
Fertilisers are very rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Manure provides humus which fertilisers do not.

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) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Soil amendments are categorized into manures and fertilizers based on their source and nutrient composition. Manures are natural organic substances obtained by the decomposition of cattle dung and plant residues, whereas fertilizers are inorganic salts or commercially produced chemicals designed to supply specific plant nutrients.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Manure contains organic matter in large quantities but supplies specific nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in very small quantities. In contrast, fertilizers are nutrient-specific and highly concentrated.
Statement 2 is Correct: Fertilizers are manufactured to be very rich in essential plant nutrients, specifically Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK). They ensure healthy vegetative growth (leaves, branches, and flowers) by providing these nutrients in a readily soluble form.
Statement 3 is Correct: Manure provides a significant amount of humus to the soil. Humus improves the physical texture of the soil, increases water-holding capacity in sandy soils, and aids drainage in clayey soils. Fertilizers, being chemical substances, do not contribute organic matter or humus to the soil.

Key Takeaway: Fertilizers are nutrient-dense but lack organic matter, whereas manure is nutrient-poor but rich in humus, which is essential for maintaining soil structure and microbial health.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Crop production and management

Which one of the following is an organic soil amendment derived from the decomposition of plant or animal waste?

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With reference to the cropping patterns in India, consider the following statements: 1. Kharif crops are generally sown in the rainy season which spans from June to September. 2. Wheat, gram, and mustard are examples of Kharif crops. 3. Rabi crops are grown during the winter season from October to March. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the preparation of soil: 1. Loosening the soil makes it compact and prevents root penetration. 2. Turning the soil brings nutrient-rich soil to the top for plant utilization. 3. Loosened soil promotes the growth of earthworms and soil microbes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to agricultural implements, consider the following statements: 1. A ploughshare is the strong triangular iron strip found in a plough. 2. A hoe is a tool used exclusively for sowing seeds. 3. A cultivator is a manual tool used for harvesting crops. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the sowing of seeds: 1. Damaged seeds are generally lighter than healthy seeds and float on water. 2. The traditional tool for sowing seeds is shaped like a flat blade. 3. A seed drill ensures that seeds are covered by soil after sowing to protect them from birds. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Manure contains organic matter in large quantities but supplies specific nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in very small quantities. In contrast, fertilizers are nutrient-specific and highly concentrated.
Statement 2 is Correct: Fertilizers are manufactured to be very rich in essential plant nutrients, specifically Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK). They ensure healthy vegetative growth (leaves, branches, and flowers) by providing these nutrients in a readily soluble form.
Statement 3 is Correct: Manure provides a significant amount of humus to the soil. Humus improves the physical texture of the soil, increases water-holding capacity in sandy soils, and aids drainage in clayey soils. Fertilizers, being chemical substances, do not contribute organic matter or humus to the soil.

Key Takeaway: Fertilizers are nutrient-dense but lack organic matter, whereas manure is nutrient-poor but rich in humus, which is essential for maintaining soil structure and microbial health.