The Question is from neet-zoology microbes-in-human-welfare bio-fertilizers, and it was created by the author K SUNKANNA

Question

Which of the following biofertilizers is LEAST effective in acidic soils due to its sensitivity to low pH and high aluminum concentrations, often requiring pre-treatment with lime for optimal performance?

K SUNKANNA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: A
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Biofertilizer effectiveness and soil pH
 **Related Topics**: Soil acidity, aluminum toxicity, biofertilizer application, lime amendment
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of soil chemistry, the role of biofertilizers in agriculture, and the effects of pH on microbial activity.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks which biofertilizer is LEAST effective in acidic soil due to low pH and high aluminum.
  Options: Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria)
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the sensitivity of each biofertilizer to acidic conditions and high aluminum.
  Reasoning: Acidic soils have low pH and high concentrations of soluble aluminum, which can be toxic to many microorganisms.
 2. Identify the biofertilizer most sensitive to these conditions.
  Working: Rhizobium is known to be particularly sensitive to acidic soils and high aluminum concentrations.  Its symbiotic relationship with leguminous plants is severely hampered under these conditions.  Azotobacter, Azospirillum, and Cyanobacteria are relatively more tolerant, though their effectiveness might still be reduced in highly acidic soils.
 3. Select the biofertilizer that requires lime pre-treatment.
  Result: Rhizobium often requires lime application to raise the soil pH and reduce aluminum toxicity before inoculation for optimal nitrogen fixation.
  Verification: The information aligns with established knowledge of biofertilizer limitations in acidic environments.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] ✓: Rhizobium: Rhizobium is a nitrogen-fixing bacteria that forms symbiotic relationships with legume roots. It is highly sensitive to low pH and high aluminum levels in acidic soils.  Lime application is frequently necessary to improve its effectiveness.
[B] :x: Azotobacter: Azotobacter is a free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium that exhibits more tolerance to acidic conditions compared to Rhizobium.
[C] :x: Azospirillum: Azospirillum is another free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium that is relatively more tolerant to slightly acidic conditions than Rhizobium.
[D] :x: Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria): Cyanobacteria are also known to fix nitrogen and are often more tolerant to acidic conditions than Rhizobium, although their effectiveness might still be influenced by pH.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the tolerance levels of different biofertilizers to acidic conditions: It's crucial to understand the specific requirements of each biofertilizer.
  2.Overlooking the role of lime in improving biofertilizer effectiveness in acidic soils: Lime amendment is a vital step for optimizing the performance of sensitive biofertilizers.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that Rhizobium is the most pH-sensitive among the common biofertilizers.
  2.Lime is a key factor for improving the success of biofertilizer application in acidic soils.

K SUNKANNA · Answer

The correct Option is "Rhizobium"

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Azotobacter

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Azospirillum

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria)

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