JEE Main · 2007 · 29 Apr 2007 · Offline · Environmental Chemistry

Regular use of which of the following fertilizer increases the acidity of soil?

Answer: (D)

Solution

Ammonium sulphate is the salt of a strong acid and a weak base, so in the soil the ammonium ion hydrolyses,

N H_{4}^{+} + H_{2} O ⇌ N H_{4} OH + H^{+}

, releasing hydrogen ions. The steady build-up of these ions lowers the pH, so regular use of ammonium sulphate increases the acidity of the soil.

JEE Main · 2007 · 29 Apr 2007 · Offline · Single correct option