Assertion A: Prolonged use of ammonium fertilizers may cause acidification of soils.
Reason R: Application of ammonium fertilizers leads to accumulation of nitrate ions in soils.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
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Ammonium fertilizers acidify soils.
Nitrification releases H\(^+\) ions.
Nitrate accumulation is a separate phenomenon.
Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
A is correct but R is not correct
A is not correct but R is correct
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The Correct Option isC
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ammonium fertilizers affect soil pH.
The mechanism involves nitrification. Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
No specific formula.
Need to understand the acidification process. Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Prolonged use of ammonium fertilizers causes acidification.
This is due to the release of H\(^+\) ions during nitrification.
Ammonium (NH\(_4^+\)) is converted to nitrate (NO\(_3^-\)).
This process releases H\(^+\) ions.
However, the reason given (accumulation of nitrate ions) is not the cause of acidification.
The acidification is due to H\(^+\) release, not nitrate accumulation.
Thus, A is correct, but R is not correct. Step 4: Final Answer:
A is correct but R is not correct.
Hence, the correct option is (C).
