Question

Statement (I): Single superphosphate, double superphosphate, triple superphosphate are mono-calcium phosphate.
Statement (II): Mono calcium phosphates are water soluble and thus have high leaching losses.

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

Hint:

Mono-calcium phosphate forms are water-soluble, effective fertilizers, but can leach easily.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Superphosphates are forms of mono-calcium phosphate, and these are water-soluble. Their solubility makes them more prone to leaching losses in soils, especially under high rainfall or irrigated conditions.

Answer 2

Testing each statement on its own: Statement (I) - single, double and triple superphosphate all supply phosphorus mainly as monocalcium phosphate, differing only in P₂O₅ concentration, not in the chemical form of phosphate; so Statement (I) holds.
Statement (II) - monocalcium phosphate is highly water-soluble, which makes the phosphate readily plant-available but also prone to being washed down the profile with percolating water, i.e. high leaching loss; so Statement (II) also holds.
Since both independently verified statements are true, the correct choice is that both (I) and (II) are true.