SECTION-B
1 Briefly describe the method of vermicomposting
Ans - Vermicomposting is a method of composting that uses various species of worms, typically red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms, to break down organic waste materials into nutrient-rich compost. The process involves the following steps:
1. **Preparation**: Set up a composting bin with proper drainage and aeration. Add bedding material such as shredded newspaper, cardboard, or straw, which provides a habitat for the worms.
2. **Adding Worms**: Introduce the composting worms to the bin. Red wigglers are commonly used because they thrive in decaying organic matter and compost conditions.
3. **Feeding**: Add organic waste materials to the bin, including fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other non-meat, non-dairy, and non-oily kitchen waste. Avoid adding large amounts of citrus, onions, and garlic, as these can be harmful to worms.
4. **Maintenance**: Regularly monitor the moisture level, keeping it similar to a wrung-out sponge. Turn or stir the contents occasionally to ensure proper aeration and to prevent anaerobic conditions. Add new bedding material as needed.
5. **Harvesting**: After a few months, the worms will have converted the waste into vermicompost, a dark, crumbly soil-like material. Separate the worms from the compost by moving the finished compost to one side of the bin and adding fresh bedding and food to the other side. The worms will migrate to the new food source, allowing you to collect the finished compost.
6. **Utilization**: Use the vermicompost as a nutrient-rich soil amendment for plants. It can be mixed with potting soil, added to garden beds, or used as a top dressing for lawns and plants.
Define green manuring. What are the type of green manuring."
A - Green manuring: Green manuring can be defined as the growth of a crop for the
specific purpose of incorporating it into soil while green, or soon after maturity with a
view to mproving the soil and benefiting subsequent crops or Practice of ploughing or
turning in to the soil un decomposed green plant tissues for the purpose of improving
physical condition as well as fertility of the soil.
Classification of Green manuring:
classified into two groups as
I. Green manure in situ
II. Green leaf manuring
Q - What is the average plant nutrients of NPK in FYM compost, and oil cakes.
A -
B Write the short notes on Ammonium chloride.
A - ### Ammonium Chloride: A Brief Overview
**Chemical Composition and Properties:**
- **Formula:** NH₄Cl
- **Appearance:** White crystalline salt
- **Solubility:** Highly soluble in water, moderately soluble in alcohol
- **pH:** Aqueous solutions are mildly acidic
**Production:**
Ammonium chloride is commonly produced as a byproduct in the Solvay process, where sodium carbonate is manufactured. It can also be synthesized by reacting ammonia (NH₃) with hydrochloric acid (HCl).
**Uses:**
1. **Agriculture:**
- **Fertilizer:** Utilized as a nitrogen source in fertilizers, particularly for rice and wheat. It provides an essential nutrient (nitrogen) necessary for plant growth.
2. **Pharmaceuticals:**
- **Expectorant:** Included in cough medicine formulations to help clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
- **Acidifying Agent:** Used to maintain pH levels in the body, especially in the treatment of metabolic alkalosis.
3. **Industrial Applications:**
- **Metalwork:** Employed in metal cleaning and soldering to remove oxide coatings.
- **Batteries:** Used in the production of dry cell batteries as an electrolyte.
4. **Food Industry:**
- **Food Additive:** Occasionally used as a yeast nutrient in bread-making and as a food additive in some licorice products.
**Health and Safety:**
- **Handling:** Should be handled with care. Prolonged exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
- **Storage:** Store in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible substances like strong bases and oxidizers.
**Environmental Impact:**
- **Ecotoxicity:** In large quantities, ammonium chloride can be harmful to aquatic life. It should be managed properly to prevent environmental contamination.
Q - Write the short notes on ammonium Nitrate.
A - ### Ammonium Nitrate: A Brief Overview
**Chemical Composition and Properties:**
- **Formula:** NH₄NO₃
- **Appearance:** White crystalline solid
- **Solubility:** Highly soluble in water
- **Density:** Approximately 1.725 g/cm³
- **Melting Point:** 169.6 °C (337.3 °F)
- **Decomposition:** Decomposes upon heating, releasing gases like nitrous oxide (N₂O) and water vapor
**Production:**
Ammonium nitrate is typically produced by the neutralization reaction between ammonia (NH₃) and nitric acid (HNO₃):
\[ \text{NH}_3 + \text{HNO}_3 \rightarrow \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3 \]
**Uses:**
1. **Agriculture:**
- **Fertilizer:** Widely used as a high-nitrogen fertilizer, promoting plant growth by providing an essential nutrient (nitrogen). It is especially favored for its high solubility and quick release of nitrogen.
2. **Explosives:**
- **Blasting Agent:** Mixed with fuel oil (ANFO), ammonium nitrate is a common industrial explosive used in mining, quarrying, and construction due to its effectiveness and relatively low cost.
3. **Cold Packs:**
- **Instant Cold Packs:** Used in instant cold packs for first aid. When ammonium nitrate dissolves in water, it absorbs heat, providing an immediate cooling effect.
4. **Laboratory Uses:**
- **Reagent:** Employed in various chemical processes and reactions in research and industrial laboratories.
**Health and Safety:**
- **Handling:** Should be handled with care due to its oxidizing properties. It can intensify fires and may explode under certain conditions, such as confinement and exposure to heat or shock.
- **Storage:** Store in a cool, dry place away from combustible materials, reducing agents, and sources of heat. Properly ventilated storage areas are essential to prevent accumulation of harmful gases.
**Environmental Impact:**
- **Ecotoxicity:** Ammonium nitrate can contribute to water pollution if not managed properly, leading to issues like eutrophication, which depletes oxygen in water bodies and harms aquatic life.
**Regulations:**
- **Security Concerns:** Due to its potential use in improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the sale and distribution of ammonium nitrate are regulated in many countries to prevent misuse.
Q - Classification of phosphatic fertilizer based on solubility
A - Phosphatic fertilizers are classified based on their solubility into three main categories: water-soluble, citrate-soluble, and insoluble phosphates. Each type has different applications and benefits depending on the soil conditions and plant requirements.
### 1. Water-Soluble Phosphates
**Description:**
- These fertilizers dissolve readily in water, making phosphorus immediately available to plants.
- They are highly effective in soils with neutral to alkaline pH levels.
**Examples:**
- **Single Superphosphate (SSP):** Contains about 16-20% P₂O₅.
- **Triple Superphosphate (TSP):** Contains about 44-46% P₂O₅.
- **Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP):** Contains about 48-61% P₂O₅.
- **Diammonium Phosphate (DAP):** Contains about 46% P₂O₅.
**Uses:**
- Best suited for quick-growing crops and soils with adequate moisture.
- Effective for initial plant establishment and rapid growth phases.
### 2. Citrate-Soluble Phosphates
**Description:**
- These fertilizers are soluble in weak acid solutions like ammonium citrate but not in water.
- They release phosphorus more slowly than water-soluble phosphates, providing a sustained supply.
**Examples:**
- **Basic Slag (Thomas Slag):** Contains about 8-12% P₂O₅.
- **Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP):** Contains about 34-39% P₂O₅.
**Uses:**
- Suitable for acidic soils where slow-release phosphorus is beneficial.
- Often used for long-duration crops and in situations where a steady phosphorus supply is desired.
### 3. Insoluble Phosphates
**Description:**
- These fertilizers do not dissolve in water or weak acids.
- Phosphorus becomes available to plants slowly through microbial activity and soil chemical reactions.
**Examples:**
- **Rock Phosphate:** Contains about 20-35% P₂O₅.
- **Bone Meal:** Contains about 20-30% P₂O₅.
**Uses:**
- Best for acidic soils where natural soil processes can release phosphorus over time.
- Used for perennial crops and long-term soil fertility improvement.
Note -
- **Water-Soluble Phosphates:** Quick availability, suitable for rapid plant growth and immediate nutrient needs.
- **Citrate-Soluble Phosphates:** Moderate release, ideal for sustained nutrient supply in slightly acidic to neutral soils.
- **Insoluble Phosphates:** Slow release, best for long-term soil fertility and acidic soils.
SECTION-C
Q- Classification of manure and fertilizer in details.
A - Classification of Manures and fertilizers with examples
I. Classification of Manures
II. Classification of Fertilizers
Q - Describe the organic farming, advantage and benefits.
Q Manufacturing process, physical and chemical properties of Urea.
Q - Manufacturing process physical and chemical properties of sodium nitrate.
A - ### Sodium Nitrate: Manufacturing Process, Physical and Chemical Properties
**Chemical Composition:**
- **Chemical Formula:** NaNO₃
- **Molecular Weight:** 84.99 g/mol
### Manufacturing Process of Sodium Nitrate
The production of sodium nitrate can be carried out through several methods, including natural extraction and synthetic processes.
1. **Natural Extraction:**
- **Source:** Sodium nitrate is found naturally in large deposits, particularly in Chile, where it is known as Chile saltpeter.
- **Process:** The mineral is mined and purified through processes involving dissolution in water, filtration, and crystallization.
2. **Synthetic Production:**
- **Reactants:** Sodium nitrate can be synthesized by reacting sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) with nitric acid (HNO₃).
- **Process:**
- **Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide:**
\[ \text{NaOH} + \text{HNO}_3 \rightarrow \text{NaNO}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]
- **Reaction with Sodium Carbonate:**
\[ \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 + 2\text{HNO}_3 \rightarrow 2\text{NaNO}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2 \]
### Physical Properties of Sodium Nitrate
- **Appearance:** White crystalline solid.
- **Melting Point:** 308°C (586°F).
- **Boiling Point:** Decomposes at 380°C (716°F) before boiling.
- **Density:** 2.26 g/cm³.
- **Solubility:** Highly soluble in water (about 91.2 g/100 ml at 20°C), moderately soluble in glycerol, and slightly soluble in ethanol.
- **Hygroscopicity:** Absorbs moisture from the air.
### Chemical Properties of Sodium Nitrate
- **Stability:** Stable under normal conditions, but decomposes at high temperatures to produce sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) and oxygen (O₂).
- **Oxidizing Agent:** Sodium nitrate is a strong oxidizer and can react vigorously with reducing agents.
- **Decomposition Reaction:**
\[ 2\text{NaNO}_3 \rightarrow 2\text{NaNO}_2 + \text{O}_2 \]
- **Reactivity:**
- Reacts with acids to form nitric acid and the corresponding sodium salt.
- Can react with combustible materials, increasing the risk of fire.
### Uses of Sodium Nitrate
1. **Agriculture:**
- **Fertilizer:** Used as a nitrogen fertilizer, providing an essential nutrient for plant growth.
- **Soil Amendment:** Helps to improve soil fertility and crop yield.
2. **Food Industry:**
- **Preservative:** Used as a preservative and color fixative in cured meats and fish.
3. **Industrial Applications:**
- **Glass Manufacturing:** Used as a flux in the production of glass and enamels.
- **Explosives:** Employed in the production of explosives and pyrotechnics, serving as an oxidizing agent.
- **Heat Transfer:** Used in molten salt mixtures for thermal energy storage and transfer in solar power plants and other high-temperature applications.
4. **Chemical Synthesis:**
- **Reagent:** Used in the synthesis of various chemicals, including dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals.
### Safety and Environmental Impact
- **Handling:** Sodium nitrate should be handled with care due to its oxidizing properties, which can cause fires or explosions if in contact with organic materials or reducing agents.
- **Storage:** Store in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials such as acids, reducing agents, and combustibles.
- **Environmental Impact:** Excessive use of sodium nitrate in agriculture can lead to water pollution through leaching and runoff, contributing to eutrophication of water bodies.
Q - What are the different forms of phosphorus available to plants? Classify the phosphatic fertilizers describing their chemical nature and per cent content of phosphorous.
A - ### Different Forms of Phosphorus Available to Plants
Plants absorb phosphorus primarily in the form of inorganic phosphate ions from the soil. The main forms of phosphorus available to plants are:
1. **Orthophosphates:**
- **H₂PO₄⁻ (Dihydrogen Phosphate):** Predominantly absorbed in acidic soils.
- **HPO₄²⁻ (Hydrogen Phosphate):** Predominantly absorbed in alkaline soils.
2. **Organic Phosphorus:**
- Derived from decomposed plant and animal residues. Microorganisms convert organic phosphorus into inorganic forms that plants can absorb.
3. **Soluble Phosphates:**
- Present in soil water and readily available for plant uptake.
### Classification of Phosphatic Fertilizers
Phosphatic fertilizers are classified based on their chemical nature and phosphorus content. They can be grouped into water-soluble, citrate-soluble, and insoluble phosphates.
#### 1. Water-Soluble Phosphates
**Chemical Nature:**
- These fertilizers dissolve readily in water, making phosphorus immediately available to plants.
**Examples:**
1. **Single Superphosphate (SSP):**
- **Chemical Formula:** Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O + 2CaSO₄
- **Phosphorus Content:** 16-20% P₂O₅
- **Nature:** Contains both monocalcium phosphate and gypsum.
2. **Triple Superphosphate (TSP):**
- **Chemical Formula:** Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O
- **Phosphorus Content:** 44-46% P₂O₅
- **Nature:** Primarily consists of monocalcium phosphate.
3. **Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP):**
- **Chemical Formula:** NH₄H₂PO₄
- **Phosphorus Content:** 48-61% P₂O₅
- **Nature:** Contains both ammonium and phosphate ions.
4. **Diammonium Phosphate (DAP):**
- **Chemical Formula:** (NH₄)₂HPO₄
- **Phosphorus Content:** 46% P₂O₅
- **Nature:** Contains higher nitrogen content compared to MAP.
#### 2. Citrate-Soluble Phosphates
**Chemical Nature:**
- These fertilizers are not soluble in water but are soluble in weak acid solutions like ammonium citrate, releasing phosphorus more slowly.
**Examples:**
1. **Basic Slag (Thomas Slag):**
- **Chemical Formula:** Mixture of CaSiO₃, Ca₃(PO₄)₂, and other compounds
- **Phosphorus Content:** 8-12% P₂O₅
- **Nature:** Byproduct of the steel industry, containing phosphorus in a form that is slowly available to plants.
2. **Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP):**
- **Chemical Formula:** CaHPO₄
- **Phosphorus Content:** 34-39% P₂O₅
- **Nature:** Contains phosphorus in a form that is more slowly available compared to water-soluble phosphates.
#### 3. Insoluble Phosphates
**Chemical Nature:**
- These fertilizers do not dissolve in water or weak acids. They release phosphorus slowly through microbial activity and soil chemical reactions.
**Examples:**
1. **Rock Phosphate:**
- **Chemical Formula:** Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH)
- **Phosphorus Content:** 20-35% P₂O₅
- **Nature:** Naturally occurring mineral that is ground into a fine powder for agricultural use.
2. **Bone Meal:**
- **Chemical Formula:** Primarily Ca₃(PO₄)₂
- **Phosphorus Content:** 20-30% P₂O₅
- **Nature:** Made from ground animal bones, providing phosphorus in a slow-release form.
