Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

Which practice helps to prevent soil erosion in agricultural fields?

1. Over-tilling

2. Crop rotation

3. Cover cropping

4. Continuous mono-cropping

The correct answer is: Cover cropping

Cover cropping is an effective practice for preventing soil erosion in agricultural fields. This technique involves planting specific crops, typically during the off-season or between main crop cycles, to create ground cover. The roots of these cover crops bind the soil, reducing the velocity of water runoff and thereby minimizing soil erosion. Additionally, cover crops enhance soil structure, improve organic matter content, and can provide other benefits such as weed suppression and nutrient cycling. In contrast, practices such as over-tilling can disturb soil structure and lead to increased erosion, as they leave the soil more exposed to wind and water effects. Crop rotation, while beneficial for enhancing soil health and breaking pest cycles, does not directly prevent erosion to the extent cover cropping does. Continuous mono-cropping can deplete nutrients and increase vulnerability to erosion, as the soil remains bare for longer periods without protective plant cover. Cover cropping stands out as a proactive and strategic measure to maintain soil integrity and prevent erosion effectively.