Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: Neem seed extract is used to coat urea for increasing nitrogen-use efficiency.
Reason R: Neem seed extract coating slows down the hydrolysis and nitrification of urea.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true

Hint:

Neem-coated urea: Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer.
Reduces nitrogen losses (volatilization, leaching).
Improves nitrogen-use efficiency by 10-15%.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Neem-coated urea is a technology to improve nitrogen use efficiency in agriculture.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Assertion A:
Neem seed extract is used to coat urea.
Coated urea releases nitrogen slowly, improving nitrogen-use efficiency.
This statement is true.
Reason R:
Neem seed extract contains compounds that inhibit urease activity.
This slows down the hydrolysis of urea to ammonium.
It also inhibits nitrification (conversion of ammonium to nitrate).
This reduces nitrogen losses through leaching and volatilization.
This statement is true.
Relationship between A and R:
R explains why neem seed extract coating is used (to slow down hydrolysis and nitrification).
Thus, R is the correct explanation of A.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
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