Which practice can enhance nutrient retention in the soil?

Implementing conservation tillage is a recognized practice for enhancing nutrient retention in the soil. This method reduces soil disturbance, which helps maintain soil structure and organic matter, leading to improved moisture retention and nutrient availability. By not turning the soil over as frequently, conservation tillage minimizes erosion and runoff, allowing nutrients to remain in the soil rather than being washed away.

Additionally, conservation tillage promotes the presence of soil microbes and encourages the formation of earthworm habitats, all of which contribute to nutrient cycling and better overall soil health. This practice also facilitates the accumulation of crop residues on the soil surface, which breaks down over time to add organic matter and nutrients to the soil.

In contrast, other practices like frequent plowing disturb the soil and can lead to increased erosion and nutrient loss. Similarly, relying exclusively on chemical fertilizers may initially supply nutrients, but can cause imbalances and contribute to soil degradation over time. Allowing fields to lie fallow can deflate soil nutrients without active management that enriches and retains them.