UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies

Question 101: Science and Technology

Which one of the following is a mixed fertilizer?

aCAM

bUrea

cAmmonium Sulphate

dNPK

AnswerThe answer is (d).

A mixed fertilizer supplies more than one of the three main plant nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in a single product. NPK fertilizers carry all three. Urea is a straight nitrogen fertilizer, as is ammonium sulphate, which adds some sulphur, and CAM, like urea, supplies mainly nitrogen. Remember: NPK means a mixed or complex fertilizer.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) CAM supplies mainly nitrogen.
(b) Urea supplies only nitrogen.
(c) Ammonium sulphate supplies nitrogen with some sulphur.
(d) Right: NPK carries nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium together.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.