Which one of the following nutrients is *not* available in

Which one of the following nutrients is *not* available in fertilizers?

Iron
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2020
The question asks which nutrient is *not* available in fertilizers among the given options. All listed options (Iron, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) are essential plant nutrients and are available in various types of fertilizers. Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium are primary macronutrients commonly found in NPK fertilizers, which form the bulk of the fertilizer industry. Iron is a micronutrient, required in smaller quantities, but is also available in specific micronutrient fertilizers (e.g., iron chelates) and is often included in complete fertilizer blends.
While all options are plant nutrients and can be found in fertilizers, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium are the primary macronutrients (needed in large quantities) and form the basis of most common fertilizers. Iron is a micronutrient (needed in smaller quantities).
The phrasing of the question is potentially misleading, as Iron is indeed available in fertilizers. However, in the context of multiple-choice questions where one option must be selected, and considering the prominence of N, P, and K as the main components of standard fertilizers compared to Iron which is a micronutrient supplement, Iron might be considered the intended answer if the question is implicitly distinguishing between macronutrients and micronutrients in the context of bulk fertilization, despite the poor wording. Given the options, Iron is the least likely to be a major component of a general fertilizer compared to N, P, and K.
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