UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 83 of 99

UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Biofertilizer Organisms Nostoc

Consider the following organisms:
1. Agaricus
2. Nostoc
3. Spirogyra

Which of the above is/are used as biofertilizer/biofertilizers?

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 2 only
  3. 2 and 3
  4. 3 only
Show answer

Answer: B. 2 only

Analysis

Nostoc, a cyanobacterium (blue-green algae), is commonly used as a biofertilizer because of its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil fertility. Agaricus is a mushroom fungus and is not used as a biofertilizer, while Spirogyra is a green alga without significant biofertilizer use. Therefore, only Nostoc is used as a biofertilizer.

Extra UPSC info

Cyanobacteria such as Nostoc and Anabaena are especially useful in paddy cultivation for enriching nitrogen content in soil.

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