Question

Paheli gave the following ill effects of the practice of burning dried leaves and other plant parts

1. Burning degrades the soil.
2. Burning produces harmful gases/fumes.
3. Precious raw materials to obtain manure at low cost is lost.
4.  Lot of heat is generated unnecessarily.

The correct reasons of why we should not burn leaves are

Options

• i, ii and iv only

• i, ii, iii, and iv

• ii and iii only

• ii, iii, and iv only

Answer 1

i, ii, iii, and iv

Explanation:

• Burning degrades the soil - The heat can kill useful soil organisms and destroy nutrients in the topsoil.

• Burning produces harmful gases/fumes - Burning releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and particulate matter, which pollute the air.

• Precious raw materials to obtain manure at low cost is lost - Instead of burning, leaves can be composted into manure, enriching the soil.

• Lot of heat is generated unnecessarily - This can contribute to local warming and poses a fire hazard.