Which agricultural practice can help mitigate the effects of increased runoff?

Study for the Iowa Soil Judging Test. Master soil concepts with interactive questions and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Cover cropping is an effective agricultural practice for mitigating the effects of increased runoff. This technique involves planting crops during the off-season or alongside main crops to provide ground cover. The roots of cover crops help to hold soil in place, reducing erosion and retaining moisture in the soil. By improving soil structure and increasing organic matter, cover crops foster better infiltration of water, which can decrease the volume of surface runoff. Additionally, they help to absorb rainfall, thus slowing down the rate at which water flows over the landscape.

In contrast, tilling the soil can disturb the soil structure and lead to increased erosion, while monoculture planting raises concerns about soil health and biodiversity, ultimately affecting water retention. Removing vegetation exposes the soil directly to rainfall, leading to greater erosion and runoff, which exacerbates the problem rather than alleviates it. Thus, cover cropping stands out as a proactive strategy to enhance soil resilience and manage runoff effectively.

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