Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

For sustainable agriculture, what practice helps in maintaining soil health?

1. Monocropping

2. Intensive tillage

3. Cover cropping

4. Excessive use of chemical inputs

The correct answer is: Cover cropping

Cover cropping is a vital practice for maintaining soil health in sustainable agriculture. Cover crops, such as clover, rye, or vetch, are planted during the off-season when the main crops are not growing. They serve several important functions for soil health: 1. **Soil Erosion Prevention**: The roots of cover crops help anchor the soil, preventing erosion caused by wind and water. This is particularly important in fields that would otherwise be left bare. 2. **Nutrient Cycling**: Cover crops can capture nutrients that would otherwise leach away, especially nitrogen, and make them available for subsequent crops. Leguminous cover crops, in particular, can fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil. 3. **Soil Structure Improvement**: The root systems of cover crops help to break up compacted soil layers, improving aeration and water infiltration. This can enhance overall soil structure and health. 4. **Weed Suppression**: By providing ground cover, these crops can outcompete weeds, reducing the need for herbicides and helping to manage weed populations naturally. 5. **Microbial Activity**: Cover crops contribute organic matter and enhance microbial activity in the soil, promoting a healthy ecosystem that supports plant growth. In contrast