Question

Tillage can release pollutants in the soil and
increase erosion.
decrease erosion.
promote soil compaction.
promote fertilizer retention.

Answer 1

Brief answers with why:

- "Tillage can release pollutants in the soil" — True. Tillage disturbs soil, oxidizes organic matter and mobilizes nutrients and pesticide residues, making them more likely to leach or run off.

- "increase erosion." — True. Exposed, loosened soil is much more susceptible to wind and water erosion than untilled, residue‑covered soil.

- "decrease erosion." — False in general. Conventional tillage increases erosion; conservation/no‑till practices are used to decrease erosion.

- "promote soil compaction." — Partly true/conditional. Tillage temporarily loosens surface soil but can create a compacted "plow pan" layer and, combined with heavy machinery, lead to increased subsurface compaction over time.

- "promote fertilizer retention." — False in general. Tillage often increases nutrient loss via erosion and leaching; while incorporation can reduce some surface runoff immediately, overall conventional tillage tends to reduce long‑term nutrient retention relative to conservation practices.