In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Since the 17th century, manure has been utilised in agriculture. In those days, they didn't know how plants got the (1) ________ they needed. They would toss wood debris, fish remains and other side-effects in an unfilled land to dispose of them. However, it wasn't long before people began to notice that the grass, bushes and shrubs there were beginning to (2) ________. They came to the conclusion that the soil supplied the plants with the nutrients they needed, and that organic remains could aid in this process. Because manure is (3) ________ from animals and plants, it not only provides a wide range of plant nutrients but also improves the structure of the soil. Farmers gradually began using fertilisers as well because they understood that if their farmlands were treated in a similar manner, the growth of their crops would also improve. It bonds the soil particles together to form soil crumbs, which are necessary for cultivating soil. Additionally, the addition of manure to the soil aids in the prevention of soil erosion and the loss of plant nutrients during precipitation. Commercial fertilisers, in contrast to manure, are inorganic (4) ________ that do not alter the structure of the soil. Their function is to provide the sprouting plants with additional nutrients. A farmer ought to know when and how to apply a particular kind of fertiliser. When the plants require a particular nutrient the most, use it. If fertilisers haven't been added correctly to the soil, their roots won't be able to take in a lot. Rainwater could wash away these fertilisers, or they could end up (5) ________ the plants instead, costing the farmer money.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no.1.
nutrients
Understanding Plant Needs: Filling the Blank
The question asks us to fill in blank number 1 in the provided passage. The passage discusses the historical use of manure in agriculture and how people discovered that plants need certain things from the soil to grow. The sentence containing the blank is: "In those days, they didn't know how plants got the (1) ________ they needed." We need to determine what essential element plants get from the soil for their growth and survival.
Analysing Options for Blank (1)
Let's look at the options provided for blank (1) and consider which one best fits the context of what plants obtain from the soil for their needs:
- maintenance: This word refers to the process of keeping something in good condition. Plants don't 'get maintenance' from the soil; they require certain substances for growth.
- nutrients: Plants absorb essential chemical elements from the soil, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for their growth, development, and overall health. These are collectively referred to as nutrients.
- ingredients: While nutrients are like 'ingredients' for plant growth, the term 'ingredients' is very general. In the context of plant biology and agriculture, the specific term for what plants absorb from the soil is 'nutrients'.
- items: This is a very broad and inappropriate term in this context. Plants don't 'get items' from the soil for their needs.
Considering the options, the most appropriate word to describe what plants absorb from the soil for their necessary processes is 'nutrients'. The passage later reinforces this by stating, "They came to the conclusion that the soil supplied the plants with the nutrients they needed..."
Selecting the Correct Word for Plant Requirements
Based on the analysis, the word that accurately describes what plants obtain from the soil for their needs, as discussed in the passage about manure and plant growth, is "nutrients". This aligns with the biological understanding of how plants feed and grow.
The completed sentence should read: "In those days, they didn't know how plants got the nutrients they needed."
Revision Table: Key Terms Review
| Term | Definition/Context in Passage |
|---|---|
| Manure | Organic material, typically derived from animal waste or decomposed plants, used as fertiliser in agriculture. The passage discusses its historical use. |
| Nutrients | Substances that plants absorb from the soil (or other sources) necessary for their growth and health (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). The blank specifically asks about what plants 'needed'. |
| Fertilisers | Substances added to soil to supply plant nutrients. Can be organic (like manure) or inorganic (commercial fertilisers). |
| Soil Structure | The arrangement of soil particles into aggregates (crumbs). Manure is said to improve soil structure. |
Additional Information on Plant Nutrients and Fertilisers
Understanding plant nutrients is crucial in agriculture. Plants require various nutrients in different quantities.
- Macronutrients: Needed in large amounts. Examples include Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S).
- Micronutrients: Needed in smaller amounts. Examples include Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), and Chlorine (Cl).
These nutrients are absorbed by plant roots, usually from the soil water solution. A deficiency in any essential nutrient can limit plant growth and yield.
Fertilisers are used to supplement the soil's natural nutrient supply. Manure is an organic fertiliser that not only provides nutrients but also adds organic matter, improving soil health and structure. Inorganic or commercial fertilisers typically provide specific nutrients in concentrated forms but do not contribute organic matter or improve soil structure in the same way manure does. Proper application of fertilisers is important to ensure plants can absorb the nutrients effectively and to prevent loss through leaching or runoff, which can harm the environment and waste the farmer's resources.
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Important Questions from Cloze Test
What would come in place of 1
What would come in place of 2
What would come in place of 3
What would come in place of 4
What would come in place of 5
