Which practice most directly accelerates soil erosion?

Which practice most directly accelerates soil erosion?

• A. Removing vegetation from soil
• B. Applying lime to raise soil pH
• C. Using cover crops
• D. Mulching heavily

Answer: (A)

Protecting soil surface with vegetation is the key factor that slows erosion. Vegetation acts like a shield, breaking the impact of raindrops and reducing the speed of surface runoff, while the roots hold soil particles in place. When vegetation is removed, the soil becomes bare and vulnerable: raindrops dislodge particles and runoff can more easily carry them away, directly increasing erosion. The other practices don’t create that protective cover—in fact, they can reduce erosion or have little direct effect on it. Liming changes soil chemistry, not the physical protection of the soil surface. Using cover crops or mulching adds a protective layer that helps prevent erosion, so they work against erosion rather than accelerating it.

Protecting soil surface with vegetation is the key factor that slows erosion. Vegetation acts like a shield, breaking the impact of raindrops and reducing the speed of surface runoff, while the roots hold soil particles in place. When vegetation is removed, the soil becomes bare and vulnerable: raindrops dislodge particles and runoff can more easily carry them away, directly increasing erosion. The other practices don’t create that protective cover—in fact, they can reduce erosion or have little direct effect on it. Liming changes soil chemistry, not the physical protection of the soil surface. Using cover crops or mulching adds a protective layer that helps prevent erosion, so they work against erosion rather than accelerating it.