The question below consists of a set of labelled sentences. These sentences, when properly sequenced form a coherent paragraph. Select the most logical order of sentences from among the options.
P: The depletion of organic nutrients in the soil has reached alarming proportions, thanks to indiscriminate use of chemical fertiliser in Green Revolution areas.
Q: As against an acceptable level of ‘soil organic carbon’ of well over 5 percent, soils in Punjab are said to have levels far below 1 percent.
R: Besides, 5.3 billion tonnes of soil is eroded annually, at a rate of 16.4 tonnes/hectare.
S: The nutrient imbalance has been skewed by the overuse of urea (N) vis-a-vis phosphatic (P in chemical parlance) and potassic (K) fertiliser.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e., PQRS.
- Sentence P states about the depletion of organic material from soil, giving an introduction to the paragraph.
- Sentence Q states a fact about the condition of the soil in Punjab which supports the first sentence. Therefore Q is the second sentence.
- Sentence R states about the other problems regarding soil apart from the depletion of organic nutrients and starts with the word “besides” which cannot be the beginning of the last sentence. Hence, it is the third sentence in sequence and sentence S is the last sentence.