Dolomite powder is applied in some agricultural lands. The purpose of

Dolomite powder is applied in some agricultural lands. The purpose of applying it is to

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increase the pH of the soil

lower the pH of the soil

increase the phosphorus content of the soil

increase the nitrogen content of the soil

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2016

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Dolomite is calcium magnesium carbonate (CaMg(CO₃)₂). Carbonate compounds are alkaline. When added to soil, they react with soil acidity (hydrogen ions), neutralizing it.

Applying dolomite to soil increases the soil’s pH, making it less acidic. This is often done in agricultural lands where the soil is too acidic for optimal plant growth. Dolomite acts as a liming agent and also provides essential nutrients, calcium and magnesium, to the soil.

Lowering soil pH is done using acidic substances like sulfur or aluminum sulfate. While dolomite contains calcium and magnesium, its primary role as a soil amendment is pH adjustment. It does not directly increase phosphorus or nitrogen content; these are supplied by phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers, respectively.

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