Nitrogen use efficiency - crucial message
Question
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and crucial message implied by the passage?
Options
An enhanced efficiency of use of nitrogen is imperative for both food production and environment.
Production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers cannot be stopped as it will adversely affect global food security.
Alternatives to crops that require excess of nitrogen should be identified and cultivated.
Conventional agriculture using synthetic fertilizers should be replaced with agroforestry, agroecosystems and organic farming.
Explanation
The passage establishes a core conflict: synthetic nitrogen is absolutely essential to feed over half the global population , yet 60% of it is currently lost to the environment, causing severe air, water, and atmospheric pollution[cite: 3666, 3669]. Because we cannot simply abandon nitrogen inputs without crashing food yields, the only logical, balanced solution is maximizing its operational efficiency. Option (a) directly addresses both variables—food production and environmental preservation. Options (b), (c), and (d) suggest rigid agricultural bans or total shifts that distort the text's emphasis on efficiency metrics[cite: 3686, 3689, 3691].
Answer: (a).
Question details
Year
2023
Paper
CSAT
Question
Q42
Section
Reading Comprehension
Sub-topic
Environment / Agriculture passage
Type
RC - Critical message
Difficulty
Medium
Source hint
Passage-based comprehension
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