Agriculture: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Agriculture (Geography). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2013Geography · Agriculture
Q1. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in:
Explanation
Contour bunding is a soil conservation technique primarily employed in hilly or sloping terrains to combat soil erosion and enhance water retention. This method involves constructing embankments, or "bunds," along the natural contour lines of the landscape. These bunds act as barriers that slow down water runoff, promote water infiltration and reduce the loss of topsoil. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:
Contour bunding is not suitable for desert margins or areas prone to strong wind action. Wind erosion is better controlled by techniques like windbreaks or shelterbelts, not contour bunding. In low-lying flat plains prone to flooding contour bunding is less effective. Flood management and soil conservation in these areas often involves levees, dykes, or drainage systems rather than contour bunds. Contour bunding is not specifically designed for scrublands prone to weed growth. Weed control requires different management practices, such as mechanical or chemical weeding methods.
UPSC 2013Geography · Agriculture
Q2. Which of the following adds nitrogen to the soil? 1. Excretion of urea by animals 2. Burning of coal by man 3. Death of vegetation Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanation
The nitrogen cycle is a crucial process that maintains the soil fertility necessary for plant growth.
Statement 1 is correct: Animals excrete urea through urine containing nitrogen. When this urea is deposited onto the soil, soil microorganisms break it down through a process called mineralization, converting it into ammonium (NH₄ +), which can readily absorbed by plants.
Statement 2 is incorrect: While the burning of coal releases nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere, it does not directly add nitrogen to the soil. Instead, the pollutants can contribute to air pollution and acid rain, which may eventually affect soil quality but not in a beneficial way for nitrogen enrichment of soil.
Statement 3 is correct: The death and decomposition of vegetation naturally adds nitrogen to the soil. When plants die, their organic matter decomposes due to microbial activity. During de-composition, nitrogen is released in the form of ammonium and nitrates, which then enrich the soil. This recycling of nutrients is a natural and critical component of the nitrogen cycle.
Exam tip:
For S2, what is relationship between coal(Carbon) and Nitrogen? Nothing! hence how can coal burning can add N2, likely false. But plants do have N2, hence their death might add N2 in soil, hence S3 likely true.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2013
(d) None of the above
2
2013
(c) 1 and 3 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Agriculture?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Agriculture (Geography), asked from 1996 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Agriculture?
Questions on Agriculture (Geography) are available for 9 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
