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UPSC Prelims 1984 · Agriculture · Soils
Micro-elements needed to increase soil fertility are
- (a) Nitrogen, hydrogen and calcium
- (b) Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
- (c) Iron, calcium and potassium
- (d) Manganese, copper and zinc
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Manganese, copper and zinc
Manganese, copper and zinc are micronutrients.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Nitrogen and calcium are macronutrients; hydrogen comes from water.
(b) N, P, K are the main macronutrients.
(c) Calcium and potassium are macronutrients.
The trap
Iron is a micronutrient, but (c) pairs it with two macronutrients.
🔒 Micronutrients: Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Mo, Cl, Ni. Zinc deficiency is common in India.