Which practice can help in preventing nutrient leaching during heavy rains?

Using diverse cover cropping systems is an effective practice for preventing nutrient leaching during heavy rains. Cover crops, which are planted during the off-season or alongside main crops, help improve soil structure and increase organic matter. This enhances the soil's ability to retain moisture and nutrients. The roots of cover crops create channels in the soil, which increases infiltration rates and reduces runoff by capturing rainfall. Additionally, diverse cover cropping systems promote a variety of root structures, which can help to stabilize the soil and further prevent erosion.

The increased soil organic matter resulting from cover crops also contributes to better nutrient retention by improving the soil's cation exchange capacity, which allows for more effective holding of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This is particularly important during heavy rains, as saturated soils are prone to leaching, where nutrients are washed away before they can be utilized by crops.

In contrast, planting low-growing grass may not provide the same benefits as diverse cover cropping, since it might not significantly enhance soil structure or nutrient retention. Avoiding any form of crop rotation could lead to nutrient depletion and soil health issues, while eliminating organic matter from soil diminishes its ability to retain nutrients and moisture, making it more susceptible to leaching. Therefore, utilizing diverse cover cropping systems stands out