Question

The radio-isotope used in agriculture is:
A. ${}_{15}{P^{31}}$
B. ${}_{15}{P^{32}}$
C. ${}_{11}N{a^{23}}$
D. ${}_{11}N{a^{24}}$

Answer 1

The phosphorus-$32$-labelled fertiliser is applied hydroponically or by water in the soil to the plant and it is possible to map the use of phosphorus from the released beta radiation.

Complete step by step answer:
Radioisotopes that degrade due to their radiation and energy consumption can be used in a wide variety of agricultural applications. Nuclear scientists and technologists are revealing the mysteries of many agricultural problems which, using traditional methods may not have been feasible.

${}_{15}{P^{32}}$ is used in plant science to monitor the absorption of fertiliser by a plant from the roots to the leaves. The details collected by measuring the absorption of the fertiliser shows how the plant consumes and uses fertiliser phosphorus.

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Additional Information:
To raise agricultural yield, radioisotopes have been used for the processing of high yielding crop seeds. Radioisotopes have also been used in various plants to assess the role of fertilisers. In order to eliminate insects that damage food grains, radiation from such radioisotopes has also been used.

As a testing tool, radioisotopes are used to establish new strains for agricultural crops that are resistant to drought and disease, are of better quality, have shorter growth times and achieve higher yields. During decay, radioactive elements emit a mixture of radiation or energy particles that are used for basic research in a broad range of uses in health care, agriculture or physical sciences.

Note:
In order to minimise the production costs of farm crops, fertilisers are very costly and their effective use is of great significance. To study the absorption, preservation and use of fertilisers, fertilisers identified with radioactive isotopes such as phosphorus- $32$ and nitrogen- $15$ have been used.