Which statement describes a key benefit of organic fertilizers?

• A. They are derived from synthetic materials
• B. Cheap/free; high in humus; nutrition for soil organisms
• C. They never need incorporation into the soil
• D. They are always bulky and expensive

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that organic fertilizers boost soil health by supplying organic matter and feeding soil life. They’re derived from natural materials and are often inexpensive or even free when sourced from farm waste, which means they can improve soil humus and provide ongoing nutrition for soil organisms. The humus improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient cycling, while microbes help release nutrients for plant uptake, giving a longer-term fertility benefit. The other statements aren’t accurate: these fertilizers aren’t synthetic; they generally require incorporation or time to decompose rather than delivering immediate, readily available nutrients; and they aren’t inherently bulky and expensive in all cases.