Why do farmers use ammonium salts on their fields?
A. To prevent soil erosion
B. To increase soil acidity
C. To help plants grow (as fertilizers)
D. To reduce soil salinity
A) To prevent soil erosion: While certain soil management practices may involve measures to prevent erosion, the use of ammonium salts specifically does not directly relate to preventing soil erosion.
B) To increase soil acidity: Ammonium salts, such as ammonium sulfate, can actually decrease soil pH, making the soil more acidic. However, this is not typically the primary reason farmers use these salts.
C) To help plants grow (as fertilizers) (Correct Answer): Ammonium salts are commonly used as fertilizers because they provide essential nitrogen to plants in a form that they can readily absorb. Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for plant growth, and ammonium salts serve as a source of nitrogen for crops.
D) To reduce soil salinity: Ammonium salts are not typically used to reduce soil salinity. Salinity issues in soil are typically addressed through other methods such as leaching or soil amendments, rather than the addition of ammonium salts.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.