Question 48
The below figure shows the two crop fields [Plots A and B] have been treated by manures and chemical fertilizers respectively, keeping other environmental factors same. Observe the graph and answer the following questions.

(i) Why does plot B show sudden increase and then gradual decrease in yield?
(ii) Why is the highest peak in plot A graph slightly delayed?
(iii) What is the reason for the different pattern of the two graphs?

(i) With the addition of chemical fertilizer, there is a sudden increase in yield due to the release of nutrients N, P, and K etc in high quantity. The gradual decline in the graph may be due to continuous use and high quantity of chemicals which kills microbes useful for replenishing the organic matter in the soil. This decreases the soil fertility.

(ii) Manures supply small quantities of nutrients to the soil slowly as it contains large amounts of organic matter [Hint: the importance of organic matter can be included]. It enriches the soil with nutrients thereby increasing soil fertility continuously.

(iii) The difference in the two graphs indicates that use of manure is beneficial for a long duration in cropping as the yield tends to remain high when the amount of manure increases. In case of Plot B, the chemical fertilizers may cause various problems when used continuously for a long time. Loss of microbial activity reduces decomposition of organic matter and as a result soil fertility is lost that affects the yield.