Question

1. a farmer practicing conservation agriculture decides not to remove all crop stubble after harvesting corn. instead, he leaves stalks and leaves scattered on the field. what are the main benefits of leaving crop residue behind after harvest?

breaking the erosive effects of wind and water by acting as a physical barrier to slow down rain and wind speeds at the soil surface
protecting soil organisms by providing them with food and shelter, which helps support soil fertility
reducing evaporation of soil moisture by covering the ground and shielding it from direct sunlight
all of choices are correct – crop residue left on the field supports soil organisms, conserves water, and helps prevent erosion

Explanation:

Crop residue left on the field (like stalks and leaves) serves multiple purposes. It acts as a physical barrier. This barrier slows down rain and wind speeds at the soil surface. By doing so, it breaks the erosive effects of wind and water. It also protects soil organisms by providing them with food and shelter. Additionally, it helps support soil fertility. Moreover, it reduces evaporation of soil moisture by covering the ground and shields the soil from direct sunlight. All these factors together conserve water and help prevent erosion.

Answer:

All of choices are correct – crop residue left on the field supports soil organisms, conserves water, and helps prevent erosion.