Question

Why is used for treating acidic soils?

(a) To improve fertility of soil

(b) For their better alkali values

(c) To keep away insects

(d) To loosen up the soil

I had been asked this question in an international level competition.

This intriguing question comes from Ash and its Effects on Boiler Operation and Performance topic in division Steam Generators & Accessories of Energy Engineering

Answer 1

Right option is (b) For their better alkali values

The best explanation: Due to their better alkali values, they are used for treating acidic soils. Its use for agricultural purposes is recently experimented in Japan and it is found that it supplies essential nutrients as sulfur, boron, calcium and zinc. It also adjusts pH to optimum levels for plant growth.