PAST PAPER AGRICULTURE OFFICER (HORTICULTURE) PPSC [SOLVED]

1. Which of the following nutrients is essential for photosynthesis in plants? A) Calcium B) Phosphorus C) Nitrogen D) Magnesium Answer: D) Magnesium 2. What is the primary purpose of crop rotation? A) Increase crop yield B) Reduce pest and disease problems C) Increase water usage D) Decrease soil pH Answer: B) Reduce pest and disease problems 3. Horticulture is mainly concerned with the cultivation of: A) Staple grains B) Fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants C) Livestock D) Aquatic plants Answer: B) Fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants 4. In water management, which irrigation method is known for water conservation? A) Flood irrigation B) Sprinkler irrigation C) Furrow irrigation D) Drip irrigation Answer: D) Drip irrigation 5. Which macronutrient is most often responsible for leaf growth in plants? A) Phosphorus B) Potassium C) Nitrogen D) Calcium Answer: C) Nitrogen 6. What is the pH range most suitable for crop production? A) 3.0-4.0 B) 5.5-7.0 C) 8.5-9.0 D) 9.5-10.0 Answer: B) 5.5-7.0 7. Which part of the plant is mainly responsible for water absorption? A) Leaves B) Stem C) Flowers D) Roots Answer: D) Roots 8. A high yield variety of wheat developed in Pakistan is known as: A) IR-8 B) Mexi-Pak C) Punjab-16 D) Red-Rustic Answer: B) Mexi-Pak 9. Which of the following methods is commonly used for seedless fruit production? A) Grafting B) Pollination C) Cross-breeding D) Parthenocarpy Answer: D) Parthenocarpy 10. The most commonly used organic fertilizer in agriculture is: A) Urea B) Ammonium nitrate C) Cow manure D) Potash Answer: C) Cow manure 11. Soil structure is primarily improved by the addition of: A) Sand B) Chemical fertilizers C) Organic matter D) Pesticides Answer: C) Organic matter 12. Which element is vital for chlorophyll production in plants? A) Iron B) Copper C) Zinc D) Magnesium Answer: D) Magnesium 13. In which type of soil does water drain the quickest? A) Sandy soil B) Loamy soil C) Clay soil D) Peaty soil Answer: A) Sandy soil 14. “Layering” is a propagation method used mainly for: A) Grains B) Vines and shrubs C) Root crops D) Annual flowers Answer: B) Vines and shrubs 15. Which process converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants? A) Nitrogen fixation B) Photosynthesis C) Transpiration D) Respiration Answer: A) Nitrogen fixation 16. A plant disease caused by fungi is: A) Blight B) Mosaic C) Curl D) Rust Answer: D) Rust 17. In water management, “rainwater harvesting” is used for: A) Increasing soil erosion B) Preventing soil fertility C) Collecting and storing rainwater D) Fertilizing soil Answer: C) Collecting and storing rainwater 18. The term “transpiration” refers to: A) Water loss through leaves B) Nutrient absorption through roots C) Gas exchange in stems D) Seed germination process Answer: A) Water loss through leaves 19. Which macronutrient is essential for root development? A) Nitrogen B) Potassium C) Calcium D) Phosphorus Answer: D) Phosphorus 20. Organic farming avoids the use of: A) Compost B) Synthetic pesticides C) Mulching D) Green manure Answer: B) Synthetic pesticides 21. “Photosynthesis” takes place primarily in which part of the plant? A) Stems B) Roots C) Leaves D) Flowers Answer: C) Leaves 22. Which method is widely used for controlling soil erosion? A) Monoculture B) Terrace farming C) Slash-and-burn D) Crop removal Answer: B) Terrace farming 23. “Hydroponics” is a method of growing plants without: A) Soil B) Water C) Sunlight D) Nutrients Answer: A) Soil 24. Plants that require less water are classified as: A) Hydrophytes B) Xerophytes C) Mesophytes D) Halophytes Answer: B) Xerophytes 25. Which of the following is considered a micronutrient for plants? A) Nitrogen B) Potassium C) Magnesium D) Zinc Answer: D) Zinc 26. What is the main purpose of mulching in agriculture? A) To increase pest activity B) To retain soil moisture C) To enhance root growth D) To reduce soil fertility Answer: B) To retain soil moisture 27. “Pollination” in plants is primarily required for: A) Leaf formation B) Seed and fruit production C) Root development D) Stem elongation Answer: B) Seed and fruit production 28. Which irrigation method is most suitable for rice cultivation? A) Drip irrigation B) Sprinkler irrigation C) Flood irrigation D) Furrow irrigation Answer: C) Flood irrigation 29. “Germination” refers to the: A) Growth of the plant’s root system B) Process of seed development into a plant C) Nutrient absorption from soil D) Formation of chlorophyll Answer: B) Process of seed development into a plant 30. Which crop is most sensitive to water stress? A) Wheat B) Rice C) Barley D) Cotton Answer: B) Rice 31. “Grafting” is commonly used in which type of plant cultivation? A) Cereal crops B) Vegetable crops C) Fruit trees D) Root crops Answer: C) Fruit trees 32. What is the primary use of pesticides in agriculture? A) Enhance soil fertility B) Control pests and diseases C) Increase soil moisture D) Prevent weed growth Answer: B) Control pests and diseases 33. Which element is essential for protein synthesis in plants? A) Sulfur B) Phosphorus C) Potassium D) Nitrogen Answer: D) Nitrogen 34. In horticulture, what does the term “perennial” mean? A) Plants that complete their life cycle in one year B) Plants that complete their life cycle in two years C) Plants that grow and bloom for several seasons D) Plants that do not flower Answer: C) Plants that grow and bloom for several seasons 35. Which crop is known as the “King of Cereals”? A) Wheat B) Rice C) Maize D) Barley Answer: A) Wheat 36. In water engineering, “aquifer” refers to: A) A source of surface water B) A layer of rock that holds water underground C) The topsoil in a field D) A method of water irrigation Answer: B) A layer of rock that holds water underground 37. Which process is primarily responsible for the uptake of water in plants? A) Photosynthesis B) Osmosis C) Transpiration D) Respiration Answer: B) Osmosis 38. Which gas is released during photosynthesis? A) Carbon dioxide B) Nitrogen C) Oxygen D) Methane Answer: C) Oxygen 39. Which type of soil is best suited for horticultural plants? A) Clay soil B) Sandy soil C) Loamy soil D) Silt soil Answer: C) Loamy soil 40. The process by which nitrogen is returned to the soil by bacteria is called: A) Denitrification B) Nitrification C) Nitrogen fixation D) Ammonification Answer: A) Denitrification 41. Which method of irrigation applies water directly to the base of each plant? A) Sprinkler irrigation B) Furrow irrigation C) Flood irrigation D) Drip irrigation Answer: D) Drip irrigation 42. What is the main purpose of pruning in horticulture? A) Increase root growth B) Enhance pest resistance C) Remove dead or diseased branches D) Improve soil structure Answer: C) Remove dead or diseased branches 43. Soil pH is important in agriculture because it affects: A) Water absorption rate B) Seed size C) Nutrient availability D) Plant color Answer: C) Nutrient availability 44. Which plant family does wheat belong to? A) Fabaceae B) Solanaceae C) Poaceae D) Asteraceae Answer: C) Poaceae 45. The primary source of energy for photosynthesis is: A) Water B) Sunlight C) Soil nutrients D) Oxygen Answer: B) Sunlight 46. The term “xylem” refers to: A) The outer bark of a plant B) Tissue that transports water in plants C) The reproductive organ in plants D) A type of root Answer: B) Tissue that transports water in plants 47. Which of the following is a micronutrient? A) Potassium B) Phosphorus C) Iron D) Nitrogen Answer: C) Iron 48. The main aim of organic farming is to: A) Use synthetic chemicals B) Maximize crop yield C) Maintain environmental sustainability D) Increase water usage Answer: C) Maintain environmental sustainability 49. Which plant structure helps in the absorption of nutrients? A) Leaves B) Stem C) Root hairs D) Flowers Answer: C) Root hairs 50. In agriculture, “tillage” refers to: A) Planting seeds B) Irrigating crops C) Preparing the soil for planting D) Applying fertilizers Answer: C) Preparing the soil for planting 51. Which type of plant is best suited for arid climates? A) Hydrophytes B) Mesophytes C) Xerophytes D) Halophytes Answer: C) Xerophytes 52. In water management, “drought” refers to: A) Excessive rainfall B) Lack of sufficient rainfall over an extended period C) An increase in groundwater D) A seasonal river flood Answer: B) Lack of sufficient rainfall over an extended period 53. The scientific study of soil is known as: A) Ecology B) Agronomy C) Horticulture D) Pedology Answer: D) Pedology 54. Which of the following is NOT a method of vegetative propagation? A) Seed sowing B) Cutting C) Grafting D) Layering Answer: A) Seed sowing 55. The “Green Revolution” primarily focused on improving: A) Livestock production B) Crop yield through technology and genetics C) Aquaculture D) Urban farming Answer: B) Crop yield through technology and genetics 56. Which of the following is a primary macronutrient? A) Copper B) Iron C) Nitrogen D) Manganese Answer: C) Nitrogen 57. Crop rotation helps to: A) Decrease soil fertility B) Prevent pest and disease buildup C) Reduce water use D) Increase crop uniformity Answer: B) Prevent pest and disease buildup 58. Which of the following is an example of a cover crop? A) Corn B) Rye C) Rice D) Cotton Answer: B) Rye 59. An example of a perennial crop is: A) Wheat B) Maize C) Banana D) Sunflower Answer: C) Banana 60. What is the process of hardening off plants? A) Reducing soil pH B) Preparing plants for outdoor conditions C) Increasing nutrient levels D) Exposing plants to extreme sunlight Answer: B) Preparing plants for outdoor conditions 61. The study of fruits and fruit production is known as: A) Agronomy B) Olericulture C) Pomology D) Botany Answer: C) Pomology 62. Which component is essential for water absorption in soil? A) Sand B) Clay C) Organic matter D) Silt Answer: C) Organic matter 63. What type of soil holds the most water? A) Sandy soil B) Loamy soil C) Clay soil D) Silty soil Answer: C) Clay soil 64. Which of the following pests primarily affects cotton? A) Stem borer B) Bollworm C) Aphids D) Mealybug Answer: B) Bollworm 65. In which part of the plant does photosynthesis occur? A) Stems B) Roots C) Leaves D) Flowers Answer: C) Leaves 66. Which of the following irrigation techniques is most water-efficient? A) Flood irrigation B) Sprinkler irrigation C) Drip irrigation D) Furrow irrigation Answer: C) Drip irrigation 67. An “aquifer” is best described as: A) A natural lake B) An underground water reservoir C) A man-made water source D) A type of irrigation Answer: B) An underground water reservoir 68. Which of the following improves soil aeration? A) Excessive watering B) Soil compaction C) Organic matter addition D) Sand removal Answer: C) Organic matter addition 69. Nitrogen fixation primarily occurs through: A) Soil erosion B) Photosynthesis C) Certain bacteria in the soil D) Plant respiration Answer: C) Certain bacteria in the soil 70. The scientific study of soil is known as: A) Pedology B) Agronomy C) Horticulture D) Botany Answer: A) Pedology 71. In which process is chlorophyll essential? A) Respiration B) Osmosis C) Photosynthesis D) Germination Answer: C) Photosynthesis 72. Which crop is highly salt-tolerant? A) Rice B) Wheat C) Barley D) Cotton Answer: C) Barley 73. The main function of plant roots is: A) Photosynthesis B) Reproduction C) Nutrient and water absorption D) Seed production Answer: C) Nutrient and water absorption 74. What is the primary use of nitrogen in plants? A) Leaf color B) Flowering C) Protein and enzyme formation D) Fruit formation Answer: C) Protein and enzyme formation 75. Which gas is necessary for photosynthesis? A) Oxygen B) Carbon dioxide C) Nitrogen D) Methane Answer: B) Carbon dioxide 76. The term “transpiration” refers to: A) Absorption of water from roots B) Evaporation of water from leaves C) Photosynthesis process D) Respiration in plants Answer: B) Evaporation of water from leaves 77. Soil erosion can be reduced by: A) Clear-cutting vegetation B) Planting cover crops C) Excessive irrigation D) Compacting soil Answer: B) Planting cover crops 78. Which of the following is a major greenhouse gas emitted from agricultural fields? A) Carbon dioxide B) Methane C) Oxygen D) Argon Answer: B) Methane 79. The primary component of organic matter in soil is: A) Sand B) Clay C) Humus D) Silt Answer: C) Humus 80. Which of the following is a non-renewable resource in agriculture? A) Solar energy B) Wind energy C) Fertilizer minerals D) Biomass energy Answer: C) Fertilizer minerals 81. Who is the current Secretary-General of the United Nations (as of 2024)? A) Ban Ki-moon B) Antonio Guterres C) Kofi Annan D) Boutros Boutros-Ghali Answer: B) Antonio Guterres 82. What is the capital of Australia? A) Sydney B) Melbourne C) Perth D) Canberra Answer: D) Canberra 83. Pakistan became a nuclear power in which year? A) 1988 B) 1992 C) 1998 D) 2000 Answer: C) 1998 84. The Great Wall of China was primarily built for what purpose? A) Trade B) Defense C) Tourism D) Agriculture Answer: B) Defense 85. Which language is considered Pakistan’s official national language? A) Punjabi B) Sindhi C) English D) Urdu Answer: D) Urdu 86. What is the largest planet in our solar system? A) Earth B) Saturn C) Jupiter D) Mars Answer: C) Jupiter 87. Who wrote the famous Pakistani national song, “Sohni Dharti”? A) Faiz Ahmed Faiz B) Habib Jalib C) Hafeez Jullundhri D) Masroor Anwar Answer: D) Masroor Anwar 88. Which vitamin is known as the “sunshine vitamin”? A) Vitamin A B) Vitamin B C) Vitamin C D) Vitamin D Answer: D) Vitamin D 89. What does CPU stand for in computers? A) Central Processing Unit B) Computer Personal Unit C) Central Programming Unit D) Central Printer Unit Answer: A) Central Processing Unit 90. In which year did Pakistan become an Islamic Republic? A) 1947 B) 1956 C) 1962 D) 1973 Answer: B) 1956 91. What is the currency of Japan? A) Yen B) Won C) Dollar D) Peso Answer: A) Yen 92. How many bones are in the adult human body? A) 196 B) 206 C) 216 D) 226 Answer: B) 206 93. Which of the following is a primary color? A) Green B) Purple C) Blue D) Orange Answer: C) Blue 94. The study of weather is called: A) Meteorology B) Geology C) Biology D) Ecology Answer: A) Meteorology 95. What is the Urdu word for “Water”? A) دریا B) پانی C) سمندر D) آب Answer: B) پانی 96. The river Indus originates from which region? A) Himalayas B) Hindu Kush C) Karakoram D) Western Ghats Answer: A) Himalayas 97. Who wrote the famous English play “Hamlet”? A) William Wordsworth B) John Keats C) Charles Dickens D) William Shakespeare Answer: D) William Shakespeare 98. The numeric value of “fifty-two” is: A) 50 B) 52 C) 55 D) 60 Answer: B) 52 99. Which of the following is an output device? A) Keyboard B) Monitor C) Mouse D) Scanner Answer: B) Monitor 100. Who was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan? A) Liaquat Ali Khan B) Muhammad Ali Jinnah C) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto D) Ayub Khan Answer: A) Liaquat Ali Khan