Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of soil conservation practices?

1. To increase crop yield

2. To prevent soil erosion

3. To improve soil drainage

4. To raise soil pH

The correct answer is: To prevent soil erosion

The primary goal of soil conservation practices is to prevent soil erosion. Soil erosion can significantly degrade the quality of soil, leading to loss of nutrients, decreased fertility, and diminished agricultural productivity. These practices are essential in maintaining the integrity of the soil structure and preventing the washing or blowing away of topsoil, which is the most fertile layer and critical for plant growth. Implementing soil conservation measures, such as contour plowing, terracing, and cover cropping, helps maintain the soil in place and protects it from the forces of wind and water. This is crucial not just for sustaining agricultural productivity, but also for preserving the broader ecosystem, as healthy soil supports biodiversity and contributes to water quality. While increasing crop yield, improving soil drainage, and raising soil pH are important aspects of crop management and soil health, these are not the primary focus of soil conservation practices. Instead, they might be considered secondary benefits or outcomes that follow successful erosion control efforts. Thus, prioritizing soil conservation fundamentally helps to secure the long-term viability of agricultural systems.