What is the relationship between cover crops and nutrient leaching?

Cover crops play a significant role in nutrient management, particularly in reducing nutrient leaching. When cover crops are grown, their root systems can absorb excess nutrients present in the soil, especially nitrogen, which is prone to leaching. By capturing these nutrients that would otherwise be lost through rainfall or irrigation runoff, cover crops help to maintain soil fertility and prevent the contamination of nearby water bodies.

In addition to nutrient absorption, cover crops also enhance the overall health of the soil. They improve soil structure, increase organic matter content, and contribute to a more robust microbial ecosystem. This further aids in nutrient retention and reduces the potential for leaching. Therefore, the primary relationship between cover crops and nutrient leaching is that they function as a valuable tool in agricultural practices to mitigate nutrient loss.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of cover crops in this context. For instance, asserting that cover crops have no effect on leaching ignores the substantial evidence showing their positive impact. Claiming that they worsen nutrient leaching contradicts the established understanding of their role in nutrient management. Lastly, while regulating soil temperature is an additional benefit of cover crops, it does not encapsulate their critical function of reducing nutrient leaching. Thus, the assertion that they absorb excess nutrients and