Why does the Government of India promote the use of 'Neem-coated Urea' in agriculture?
A
Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms
B
Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
Correct Answer
C
Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields
D
It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops
Explanation
Neem coating acts as a natural nitrification inhibitor that slows down the rate of urea dissolution, ensuring nitrogen is released gradually to match the plant's uptake and reducing losses due to leaching or volatilization. Option (a) is a common distractor, but Neem does not increase nitrogen fixation by microorganisms; instead, it regulates the chemical conversion of the nitrogen already present in the urea. The core concept tested is Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) and the use of slow-release fertilizers to improve agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
AgricultureFertilizers & Soil HealthNeem-coated Ureanitrogen fixationdissolution of ureanitrificationslow-release fertilizersoil microorganisms