Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Agroecosystems of developed and developing countries depend on industrial chemicals, especially fertilizers.
Statement (II): Certainly root health is prerequisite to stability of the agroecosystem.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct

Hint:

When evaluating agroecosystem stability, consider both soil chemistry and plant biology.
The reliance on fertilizers represents the chemical input, while root health represents the biological foundation of the system.
Both are key factors in modern agricultural systems.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Agroecology is the study of ecological processes applied to agricultural production systems.
Evaluating the stability of these systems requires looking at both chemical inputs and biological soil health.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
Statement (I) asserts that agroecosystems in both developed and developing countries rely heavily on industrial chemicals, especially fertilizers.
This is correct.
Since the Green Revolution, modern agricultural systems worldwide have used synthetic nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers to maximize crop yields.
While the level of mechanization and funding varies, both developed and developing agricultural sectors remain dependent on these chemical inputs to sustain production.
Thus, Statement (I) is correct.
Statement (II) states that root health is a prerequisite for the stability of an agroecosystem.
This is also correct.
The root system is responsible for water absorption, nutrient uptake, and anchoring the plant in the soil.
Healthy roots also interact with soil microbes (such as mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobacteria) in the rhizosphere.
These interactions improve soil structure, enhance nutrient cycling, and increase resistance to drought and soil-borne pathogens.
A healthy root system is essential for crop resilience, which supports the overall stability of the agroecosystem.
Thus, Statement (II) is correct.
Since both statements are correct, option (A) is the correct choice.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both statements are correct because modern global agriculture relies on synthetic fertilizers, and root health is fundamental to the stability of the crop rhizosphere and agroecosystem.