Compost in soil:
(A) Improves soil structure (B) Increases moisture-holding capacity (C) Reduces leaching of soluble nitrogen (D) Increases buffering capacity of soil (E) Is not a valuable fertilizer

Correct option is D

1. (A) Improves soil structure:
· Correct.
· Compost adds organic matter to soil, improving its aggregation, porosity, and aeration, which are vital for root growth and water infiltration.
2. (B) Increases moisture-holding capacity:
· Correct.
· Compost increases the soil's capacity to retain moisture, especially in sandy soils, due to the organic matter's ability to hold water.
3. (C) Reduces leaching of soluble nitrogen:
· Correct.
· Compost slows down nitrogen leaching by releasing nutrients gradually. This helps reduce nutrient losses, especially in heavy rains.
4. (D) Increases buffering capacity of soil:
· Correct.
· Compost stabilizes soil pH, acting as a buffer against extreme acidity or alkalinity, and enhances soil's nutrient retention capacity.
5. (E) Is not a valuable fertilizer:
· Incorrect Statement in Context.
· While compost improves soil fertility, the statement highlights that compost alone may not be as nutrient-dense as chemical fertilizers. It is valuable but not equivalent to highly concentrated fertilizers for immediate nutrient supply.
Information Booster: 1. Advantages of Compost:
· Provides slow-release nutrients.
· Improves soil structure and water retention.
· Enhances microbial activity in the soil.
· Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
2. Nutrient Components:
· Rich in organic carbon.
· Supplies nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
3. Limitations of Compost:
· May not supply nutrients in high concentrations.
· Requires larger quantities for large-scale applications.
Additional Knowledge: · Improvement of Soil Health: Compost increases cation exchange capacity, enabling soils to retain and exchange nutrients effectively.
· Sustainability: Compost reduces dependency on synthetic fertilizers, supporting organic farming practices.
· Soil pH Buffering: Compost neutralizes acidic or alkaline soils.