Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) Practice Exam

Which of the following practices improves soil health?

1. Overwatering

2. Monoculture planting

3. Crop rotation

4. Excessive tilling

The correct answer is: Crop rotation

Crop rotation significantly improves soil health by enhancing the soil's nutrient profile, breaking pest and disease cycles, and fostering a diverse microbial community. By alternating different crops in a systematic manner, it prevents the depletion of specific nutrients that can occur when the same crop is grown repeatedly in the same area. Various crops have differing nutrient requirements and root structures, which can lead to more efficient nutrient uptake and soil structure improvement. In contrast, practices such as overwatering can lead to waterlogging and nutrient leaching, monoculture planting can deplete specific soil nutrients and increase the likelihood of pest and disease prevalence, and excessive tilling can disrupt soil structure and lead to erosion and loss of soil organic matter. Therefore, crop rotation stands out as a sustainable practice that actively contributes to maintaining and enhancing soil health.