Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I) : Soil formation is largely controlled by five major factors such as climate, living organisms, parental material, topography and time.
Statement (II) : Stunted growth, thin stem, poor tillering and yellowing of plant is symptom of manganese deficiency.
In light of 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:

Remember Jenny's formula: \(S = f(\text{cl, o, r, p, t})\). Also, general yellowing of the whole plant starting from lower leaves always points to Nitrogen deficiency!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Soil genesis and plant nutrient deficiencies represent fundamental aspects of agricultural sciences.
Evaluating the factors governing soil formation alongside the diagnostic symptoms of nutrient deficiencies helps determine the validity of both statements.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
1. Statement (I): Hans Jenny (1941) formulated that soil properties are a function of five independent soil forming factors:
\[ S = f(\text{cl}, \text{o}, \text{r}, \text{p}, \text{t}) \] where \(\text{cl}\) = climate, \(\text{o}\) = organisms (biosphere), \(\text{r}\) = relief (topography), \(\text{p}\) = parent material, and \(\text{t}\) = time. Thus, Statement (I) is highly correct.
2. Statement (II): The symptoms described --- stunted growth, thin stems, poor tillering, and general yellowing (chlorosis) of the entire plant starting from older leaves --- are classic symptoms of Nitrogen (\(\text{N}\)) deficiency, not manganese. Manganese (\(\text{Mn}\)) deficiency typically manifests as interveinal chlorosis on younger leaves, with grey specks or spots (such as "grey speck" of oats). Thus, Statement (II) is incorrect.
Therefore, Statement (I) is correct, and Statement (II) is incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the correct option is (C).