Question

Which of the following may be used in the reclamation of soil?

• A. Mycoplasma
• B. Virus
• C. Nostoc
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Nostoc

Saline alkali soils are generally unsuitable for raising crops. Blue green algae, have been shown to help in reclamation of such soils. This is because of the preferential absorption or adsorption of sodium by them. The growth of these blue green algae in saline alkaline habitat reduces salinity by 25 - 30%, pH, electrical conductivity and exchangeable sodium. It also increases aggregation, hydraulic conductivity, soil nitrogen and permeability.