A farmer wants to properly manage her soil to prevent a situation like the dust bowl. What is the best way to manage the soil?

water the soil frequently

allow plants such as grass to root in it

remove humus from the soil

frequently dig the soil to get rid of unwanted plants

1 answer

The best way to manage the soil and prevent a situation like the dust bowl is to allow plants to root in it, specifically plants like grass. This promotes soil stability, prevents erosion, and helps retain moisture in the soil. Watering the soil frequently is also beneficial to maintain soil moisture, but overwatering can lead to leaching and other problems. It is important to note that removing humus from the soil should be avoided, as humus improves soil fertility and structure. Additionally, frequently digging the soil can disrupt its structure and disturb beneficial organisms, so it is generally best to limit unnecessary tilling.