Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist Practice Exam

Which technique is important for maintaining healthy soil structure?

1. Frequent tilling

2. Overwatering

3. Crop rotation and cover cropping

4. Adding synthetic fertilizers

The correct answer is: Crop rotation and cover cropping

Maintaining healthy soil structure is vital for ensuring that the soil can support plant growth, retain moisture, and promote beneficial microbial activity. Crop rotation and cover cropping are key techniques that enhance soil health by improving its structure. Crop rotation involves alternating the types of crops grown in a specific area over time. This practice helps prevent the depletion of specific nutrients as different crops have varying nutrient requirements and benefits. It also disrupts the life cycles of pests and diseases that may thrive on a particular crop, leading to a more balanced ecosystem in the soil. Cover cropping, on the other hand, involves planting specific crops that are not intended for harvest but serve to protect and enrich the soil when the main crops are not being grown. These cover crops can prevent erosion, reduce weed pressure, and improve soil organic matter as they decompose. They contribute to better aeration and water retention in the soil, which is crucial for root development and overall plant health. Together, these practices help maintain soil structure by increasing its stability and porosity, providing a healthy environment for soil organisms, and enhancing the soil's ability to hold nutrients and water. This ultimately leads to improved plant growth and sustainable agricultural practices.