How do cover crops reduce pollution?

How do cover crops reduce pollution?

• A. Reduce erosion and nutrient runoff
• B. Increase erosion
• C. Increase pesticide use
• D. Decrease soil moisture

Answer: (A)

Cover crops act as a protective layer for the soil. By growing between main crops, their roots hold soil particles in place and their foliage shields the surface from the impact of raindrops. This keeps more soil where it belongs and dramatically reduces erosion, which is a major source of sediment pollution in waterways. They also take up leftover nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, so these compounds are less likely to be washed away with runoff or leach into groundwater. When the cover crops are terminated and decompose, they add organic matter that improves soil structure and water infiltration, further decreasing runoff. So, the pollution-reducing effect comes from both limiting erosion and limiting nutrient runoff. Increasing erosion or pesticide use would worsen pollution, and reducing soil moisture isn’t the main way cover crops cut pollutant loads.

Cover crops act as a protective layer for the soil. By growing between main crops, their roots hold soil particles in place and their foliage shields the surface from the impact of raindrops. This keeps more soil where it belongs and dramatically reduces erosion, which is a major source of sediment pollution in waterways. They also take up leftover nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, so these compounds are less likely to be washed away with runoff or leach into groundwater. When the cover crops are terminated and decompose, they add organic matter that improves soil structure and water infiltration, further decreasing runoff. So, the pollution-reducing effect comes from both limiting erosion and limiting nutrient runoff. Increasing erosion or pesticide use would worsen pollution, and reducing soil moisture isn’t the main way cover crops cut pollutant loads.