27.2.2. Vegetative Cover

Try these first

1. 1.

   What do plant roots help improve in the soil?

   Hint

   Think about what roots do when they grow in the soil.

2. 2.

   How does organic matter from decaying plants affect soil?

   Hint

   Consider the benefits of compost in gardens.

3. 3.

   What is one benefit of plant roots in soil?

   • They decrease porosity
   • They help improve soil structure
   • They prevent erosion completely

   Hint

   Consider the opposite of what happens when soil is eroded.

4. 4.

   True or False: Organic matter can decrease a soil’s ability to hold water.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think of the role organic matter plays in nature.

5. 5.

   Consider a hillside that has recently been deforested. Discuss the ecological impacts on infiltration rates in that area.

   Hint

   Visualize what happens to soil without plants.

6. 6.

   A farmer adds organic compost to their land. Describe the potential short-term and long-term effects on soil infiltration and crop yield.

   Hint

   Think about how nurturing the soil forces greater productivity.