Red Seal Agricultural Equipment Technician Practice Exam

In which way does crop rotation benefit soil health?

1. By increasing soil salinity

2. By promoting nutrient depletion

3. By breaking pest and disease cycles

4. By supporting monocultures

The correct answer is: By breaking pest and disease cycles

Crop rotation is an agricultural practice that involves planting different types of crops in the same area across a sequence of seasons or years. This method is particularly beneficial for soil health because it helps break pest and disease cycles. When the same crop is planted repeatedly in the same location, specific pests and diseases that target that crop can thrive, leading to increased infestations and outbreaks. By alternating crops, the life cycles of pests and pathogens are disrupted, reducing their populations over time. Different crops also have varying nutrient requirements and root structures, which can improve soil structure and fertility. For instance, legumes can fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing the nutrient content for subsequent crops. This dynamic helps maintain ecological balance, reduces the dependency on chemical pesticides, and ultimately leads to healthier soil and better crop yields. The other options do not contribute positively to soil health. Increasing soil salinity and promoting nutrient depletion would both degrade soil quality, while supporting monocultures tends to lead to vulnerability to diseases and pests, counteracting the benefits derived from crop rotation.