Preparing for the NABARD Grade A and Grade B exams requires a strong understanding of agriculture and rural development topics. One of the most important areas is Important Crops, Soil Types, and Fertilizer Formulas for NABARD Exam. Questions related to crop classification, soil suitability, and fertilizer requirements are frequently asked in both Phase 1 and Phase 2. This blog provides a detailed and easy-to-understand guide with data, examples, and formulas for quick revision.
Why Study Crops, Soil Types, and Fertilizers for NABARD Exam?
Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, contributing around 18% to the GDP and employing nearly 40% of the workforce (Economic Survey 2023–24, Government of India). NABARD exams emphasize agricultural knowledge to test a candidate’s awareness of rural development and farming practices. By mastering important crops, soil types, and fertilizer formulas, you not only improve your chances of scoring well but also develop practical insights into the agricultural sector.
Classification of Crops in India
Crops in India are classified based on season, purpose, and nutrient requirements. For NABARD exam preparation, remember the following:
| Crop Type | Examples | Season/Use |
| Food Crops | Rice, Wheat, Maize, Pulses | Staple diet |
| Cash Crops | Cotton, Sugarcane, Jute | Industrial use |
| Plantation Crops | Tea, Coffee, Rubber | Export & industry |
| Horticulture | Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers | Nutritional & commercial |
| Fodder Crops | Berseem, Sorghum | Livestock feed |
Tip for NABARD: Questions often ask which crop belongs to which category or which crop is grown in which season (Kharif, Rabi, Zaid).
Soil Types in India and Their Crops
India has 8 major soil types that determine crop suitability. Understanding this is crucial for the Important Crops, Soil Types, and Fertilizer Formulas for NABARD Exam.
| Soil Type | Characteristics | Suitable Crops |
| Alluvial Soil | Fertile, rich in potash | Rice, Wheat, Sugarcane, Maize |
| Black Soil (Regur) | Moisture-retentive, rich in clay | Cotton, Soybean, Groundnut |
| Red Soil | Low nitrogen, rich in iron | Millets, Pulses, Oilseeds |
| Laterite Soil | Acidic, less fertile | Tea, Coffee, Cashew |
| Desert Soil | Sandy, low water retention | Bajra, Jowar |
| Mountain Soil | Rich in humus | Tea, Spices, Fruits |
| Saline/Alkaline Soil | Poor fertility | Need reclamation with gypsum |
| Peaty Soil | High organic matter | Rice, Jute |
Tip for NABARD: Questions are often framed like “Which soil is best for cotton?” or “Laterite soil supports which plantation crop?”
Fertilizer Formulas for NABARD Exam
Fertilizers provide essential nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Knowing their formulas is a must for exam preparation.
| Fertilizer | Formula | Nutrient Supplied |
| Urea | CO(NH₂)₂ | 46% Nitrogen |
| DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) | (NH₄)₂HPO₄ | 18% Nitrogen, 46% Phosphorus |
| MOP (Muriate of Potash) | KCl | 60% Potassium |
| SSP (Single Super Phosphate) | Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ | 16% Phosphorus + Sulphur |
| Ammonium Sulphate | (NH₄)₂SO₄ | 21% Nitrogen + Sulphur |
| Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) | 5Ca(NO₃)₂·NH₄NO₃·10H₂O | 25% Nitrogen |
Tip for NABARD: Expect direct questions like “Which fertilizer contains the highest nitrogen percentage?” or “What is the formula of MOP?”
Fertilizer Consumption Trends in India
To understand why fertilizers and their formulas are important for the NABARD Exam, it is equally essential to look at how fertilizers are actually used in India. Below is an overview of fertilizer consumption trends in India that will help you connect formulas with real-world applications.
- According to the Department of Fertilizers (Govt. of India), India consumed about 62.98 million tonnes of fertilizers in 2022–23.
- Urea alone accounted for nearly 50% of the total consumption.
- The average per-hectare consumption in India is around 138 kg/ha, compared to the world average of ~120 kg/ha.
- States like Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh report highest fertilizer usage, while the North-East consumes the least.
Government Schemes Related to Fertilizers
The Government of India has launched several initiatives to ensure balanced and efficient use of fertilizers while also supporting farmers.
| Scheme | Year Launched | Objective | Key Features |
| Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme | 2010 | Promote balanced fertilizer use | Subsidy on P & K fertilizers based on nutrient content |
| Neem-Coated Urea Policy | 2015 | Reduce urea diversion & increase efficiency | All subsidized urea mandatorily neem-coated |
| Soil Health Card Scheme | 2015 | Improve soil fertility & advise farmers | Farmers get cards with soil test-based fertilizer recommendations |
| Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in Fertilizers | 2016 | Ensure subsidy reaches farmers transparently | Subsidy released to companies only after sale to farmers |
| PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth) | 2023 | Reduce chemical fertilizer use & promote alternatives | Incentives to states for balanced fertilizer use |
Previous Year NABARD Questions
Practicing previous year-based questions is one of the best ways to master Fertilizer Formulas for NABARD and related agriculture topics. Below are some examples with correct answers:
- Which fertilizer contains the highest nitrogen content?
(a) Urea
(b) Ammonium Sulphate
(c) DAP
(d) CAN
Answer: (a) Urea - What is the NPK ratio of DAP?
(a) 18:46:0
(b) 46:18:0
(c) 46:0:18
(d) 20:20:20
Answer: (a) 18:46:0 - Which soil is known as Regur Soil?
(a) Black Soil
(b) Alluvial Soil
(c) Laterite Soil
(d) Desert Soil
Answer: (a) Black Soil - Best soil for tea cultivation is:
(a) Black Soil
(b) Laterite Soil
(c) Red Soil
(d) Desert Soil
Answer: (b) Laterite Soil - Which crop is called “Golden Fibre”?
(a) Cotton
(b) Jute
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Wheat
Answer: (b) Jute - Which fertilizer is also a good source of Sulphur?
(a) SSP
(b) Urea
(c) MOP
(d) DAP
Answer: (a) SSP - Balance of NPK in crops is essential for:
(a) Soil fertility
(b) Soil erosion
(c) Flood control
(d) None of these
Answer: (a) Soil fertility - In India, the major wheat-growing soil is:
(a) Alluvial Soil
(b) Laterite Soil
(c) Black Soil
(d) Red Soil
Answer: (a) Alluvial Soil - Potash deficiency in plants leads to:
(a) Weak stem and lodging
(b) Yellowing of leaves
(c) Purple leaves
(d) None of these
Answer: (a) Weak stem and lodging - Which fertilizer is commonly called “Muriate of Potash”?
(a) KCl
(b) Urea
(c) SSP
(d) DAP
Answer: (a) KCl - Rice is predominantly grown in which soil type?
(a) Alluvial Soil
(b) Desert Soil
(c) Laterite Soil
(d) Mountain Soil
Answer: (a) Alluvial Soil - Which nutrient is responsible for vegetative growth in crops?
(a) Nitrogen
(b) Potassium
(c) Phosphorus
(d) Zinc
Answer: (a) Nitrogen - Which soil has high water retention capacity?
(a) Black Soil
(b) Red Soil
(c) Laterite Soil
(d) Desert Soil
Answer: (a) Black Soil - Which fertilizer is neutral in reaction and safe for all soils?
(a) CAN
(b) SSP
(c) Urea
(d) DAP
Answer: (a) CAN - Which soil is most suitable for pulses?
(a) Red Soil
(b) Black Soil
(c) Alluvial Soil
(d) Laterite Soil
Answer: (a) Red Soil - The formula of Ammonium Sulphate is:
(a) (NH₄)₂SO₄
(b) NH₄NO₃
(c) Ca(H₂PO₄)₂
(d) KCl
Answer: (a) (NH₄)₂SO₄ - Which is a leguminous crop that improves soil fertility?
(a) Pulses
(b) Rice
(c) Cotton
(d) Jute
Answer: (a) Pulses - Deficiency of phosphorus in plants causes:
(a) Poor root development
(b) Weak stem
(c) Delayed flowering
(d) Yellowing of leaves
Answer: (a) Poor root development - Which soil type is acidic and less fertile?
(a) Laterite Soil
(b) Alluvial Soil
(c) Black Soil
(d) Red Soil
Answer: (a) Laterite Soil - Which is the most widely used nitrogenous fertilizer in India?
(a) Urea
(b) DAP
(c) CAN
(d) Ammonium Sulphate
Answer: (a) Urea
FAQs
Fertilizer formulas are frequently asked in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 as they test knowledge of agriculture and soil management. Knowing them helps in scoring well in Agriculture & Rural Development (ARD) sections.
Black soil (also called Regur soil) is most suitable for cotton because of its high moisture retention capacity.
The formula of Urea is CO(NH₂)₂, and it contains about 46% nitrogen.
India has 8 major soil types including Alluvial, Black, Red, Laterite, Desert, Mountain, Saline/Alkaline, and Peaty soils.
The Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme, launched in 2010, promotes balanced use of P & K fertilizers by providing subsidy based on nutrient content.
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