Soil Physics

• State-wise Fertilizer Consumption Intensity (2021-22): Fertilizer consumption in terms of kg of $N + P_2O_5 + K_2O$ per hectare of gross cropped area varies widely across Indian states based on irrigation coverage and crop intensity.
• Increasing Order: Gujarat (~140–150 kg/ha) < Maharashtra (~155–165 kg/ha) < Haryana (~210–225 kg/ha) < Andhra Pradesh (~235–245 kg/ha) < Telangana (~250–260 kg/ha).
• Conclusion: The correct sequence in increasing order of NPK consumption is Gujarat < Maharashtra < Haryana < Andhra Pradesh < Telangana. (Correct answer: Option 2)

• Equivalent Acidity of Ammoniacal Nitrogen Fertilizers:
• Equivalent acidity is defined as parts by weight of calcium carbonate ($ ext{CaCO}_3$) required to neutralize the acid-forming residual effect of $100$ parts of fertilizer:
• Ammonium Nitrate: Equivalent acidity $\approx 60$ $\rightarrow$ (C)
• Ammonium Sulphate Nitrate: Equivalent acidity $\approx 93$ $\rightarrow$ (D)
• Ammonium Sulphate: Equivalent acidity $\approx 110$ $\rightarrow$ (A)
• Ammonium Chloride: Equivalent acidity $\approx 128$ $\rightarrow$ (B)
• Correct Sequence of Increasing Equivalent Acidity: Ammonium nitrate ($60$) $\lt $ Ammonium sulphate nitrate ($93$) $\lt $ Ammonium sulphate ($110$) $\lt $ Ammonium chloride ($128$).
• Conclusion: Sequence is (C), (D), (A), (B), corresponding to Option 2.

Correct option: (2) (C), (D), (A), (B).