Illinois Fertilizer Applicator Licensing
Examination Practice Test Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary goal of the Illinois Fertilizer Act?
A. To increase fertilizer production in the state
B. To regulate fertilizer storage, handling, and application
C. To protect water quality and ensure safe fertilizer use
D. To require farmer certification annually
Rationale: The Act focuses on environmental protection and proper
fertilizer management.
2. Which nitrogen fertilizer is most prone to volatilization losses?
A. Ammonium nitrate
B. Urea
,C. Anhydrous ammonia
D. UAN solutions
Rationale: Urea rapidly converts to ammonia gas on the soil surface,
causing loss.
3. What is the purpose of the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship?
A. To reduce fertilizer costs
B. To apply the Right source, Right rate, Right time, and Right place
C. To increase nutrient runoff
D. To eliminate fertilizer use
Rationale: The 4Rs guide efficient, environmentally responsible nutrient
application.
4. Which soil pH range is optimal for most fertilizer nutrient availability?
A. 3.5–4.0
B. 4.5–5.0
C. 6.0–7.0
D. 8.0–9.0
Rationale: Most nutrients are most available in slightly acidic to neutral
soils.
5. Which piece of PPE is required when handling anhydrous ammonia?
A. Cloth gloves
B. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles
C. Cotton mask
,D. Regular sunglasses
Rationale: Anhydrous ammonia is highly caustic and requires proper
protective gear.
6. Which nutrient is most associated with eutrophication of water bodies?
A. Potassium
B. Phosphorus
C. Sulfur
D. Calcium
Rationale: Excess phosphorus drives algal blooms in surface water.
7. What is the best method to reduce nitrogen leaching?
A. Surface application of urea
B. Split-application of nitrogen
C. Increasing application rates
D. Using only organic fertilizers
Rationale: Splitting nitrogen reduces the amount available for leaching at
any one time.
8. What does CEC measure?
A. Soil temperature
B. Soil salinity
C. Soil’s ability to hold cations
D. Soil drainage
Rationale: CEC indicates nutrient-holding capacity of soil colloids.
, 9. A fertilizer labeled 10-20-10 contains what percentage of phosphorus?
A. 10%
B. 20% P₂O₅
C. 5%
D. 30%
Rationale: The middle number is percent available phosphate (P₂O₅).
10. Which fertilizer form supplies nitrogen the fastest?
A. Slow-release urea
B. Manure
C. Ammonium nitrate
D. Urea-formaldehyde
Rationale: Ammonium nitrate quickly dissolves and supplies immediately
available N.
11. Which soil condition increases phosphorus runoff risk?
A. Low clay soils
B. Sandy soils
C. Frozen or snow-covered soils
D. Dry soils
Rationale: Applying P on frozen ground greatly increases surface runoff
risk.
12. Which nutrient deficiency commonly results in yellowing of older
leaves?
Examination Practice Test Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary goal of the Illinois Fertilizer Act?
A. To increase fertilizer production in the state
B. To regulate fertilizer storage, handling, and application
C. To protect water quality and ensure safe fertilizer use
D. To require farmer certification annually
Rationale: The Act focuses on environmental protection and proper
fertilizer management.
2. Which nitrogen fertilizer is most prone to volatilization losses?
A. Ammonium nitrate
B. Urea
,C. Anhydrous ammonia
D. UAN solutions
Rationale: Urea rapidly converts to ammonia gas on the soil surface,
causing loss.
3. What is the purpose of the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship?
A. To reduce fertilizer costs
B. To apply the Right source, Right rate, Right time, and Right place
C. To increase nutrient runoff
D. To eliminate fertilizer use
Rationale: The 4Rs guide efficient, environmentally responsible nutrient
application.
4. Which soil pH range is optimal for most fertilizer nutrient availability?
A. 3.5–4.0
B. 4.5–5.0
C. 6.0–7.0
D. 8.0–9.0
Rationale: Most nutrients are most available in slightly acidic to neutral
soils.
5. Which piece of PPE is required when handling anhydrous ammonia?
A. Cloth gloves
B. Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles
C. Cotton mask
,D. Regular sunglasses
Rationale: Anhydrous ammonia is highly caustic and requires proper
protective gear.
6. Which nutrient is most associated with eutrophication of water bodies?
A. Potassium
B. Phosphorus
C. Sulfur
D. Calcium
Rationale: Excess phosphorus drives algal blooms in surface water.
7. What is the best method to reduce nitrogen leaching?
A. Surface application of urea
B. Split-application of nitrogen
C. Increasing application rates
D. Using only organic fertilizers
Rationale: Splitting nitrogen reduces the amount available for leaching at
any one time.
8. What does CEC measure?
A. Soil temperature
B. Soil salinity
C. Soil’s ability to hold cations
D. Soil drainage
Rationale: CEC indicates nutrient-holding capacity of soil colloids.
, 9. A fertilizer labeled 10-20-10 contains what percentage of phosphorus?
A. 10%
B. 20% P₂O₅
C. 5%
D. 30%
Rationale: The middle number is percent available phosphate (P₂O₅).
10. Which fertilizer form supplies nitrogen the fastest?
A. Slow-release urea
B. Manure
C. Ammonium nitrate
D. Urea-formaldehyde
Rationale: Ammonium nitrate quickly dissolves and supplies immediately
available N.
11. Which soil condition increases phosphorus runoff risk?
A. Low clay soils
B. Sandy soils
C. Frozen or snow-covered soils
D. Dry soils
Rationale: Applying P on frozen ground greatly increases surface runoff
risk.
12. Which nutrient deficiency commonly results in yellowing of older
leaves?
