Biology 2003 JAMB Past Questions - Question 36: Soil fertility can best be conserved and renewed by the activities of

Correct Answer

D

Explanation

DMicrobes are tiny living organisms seen only under themicroscopes e.g. bacteria. They convert or putrify or oxidise dead plants andanimals into simple absorbable forms. In this way they help to enrich the soiland prevents it's wearing away by wind and waterferosion. Earthworm also helpsto increase soil fertility through creating of openings for increased aerationand drainage. It also feeds on leaves converting them into manure. Theactivities of microbes is more because they do not only convert dead plantsanimals into manure but oxidize them further to form soluble nitrates readily,absorbed by green plants.