Question 38 from UPSC CSE 2019 - Environment

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into the environment.
2. Cattle release ammonia into the environment.
3. The poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into the environment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, and 3

Strategy: Identify the connection between each sector and its nitrogen emissions. Soil produces nitrogen oxides via microbial processes. Cattle emit ammonia from urea breakdown. Poultry farming is a source of ammonia and nitrous oxide. All statements are correct as they align with known agricultural and livestock sources.

Key Info: **Agricultural Soils**
Agricultural soils are a significant source of nitrogen oxides, especially nitrous oxide (N2O). These emissions are released through microbial processes like nitrification and denitrification, which are accelerated by the use of nitrogen-based synthetic fertilizers. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas that also contributes to the depletion of stratospheric ozone.

**Cattle**
Cattle primarily release ammonia (NH3) through the excretion of urea in their urine. Microbial activity rapidly converts this urea into ammonia, which can then volatilize into the environment. This process contributes to air and water pollution, soil acidification, and eutrophication.

**Poultry Industry**
Poultry operations emit various reactive nitrogen compounds, notably ammonia and nitrous oxide, largely from the breakdown of uric acid in manure. Reactive nitrogen compounds (Nr) encompass all biologically or chemically active nitrogen forms, including:
- Nitrate (NO3-)
- Ammonia (NH3)
- Nitrite (NO2-)
- Nitric oxide (NO)
- Nitrous oxide (N2O)
- Organic nitrogen

High-density poultry production systems can significantly increase local and regional nitrogen loading, with serious implications for both air and water quality.

**Overall Environmental Impact**
The collective nitrogen emissions from agriculture and animal husbandry represent a major global environmental concern. Their roles in atmospheric pollution, ecosystem nutrient loading, and subsequent ecological impacts necessitate careful management and mitigation strategies.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 2 only

Consider the following statements: Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into the environment. Cattle release ammonia into the environment. The poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into the environment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:

Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into the environment.

Cattle release ammonia into the environment.

The poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into the environment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?