NAEP Science Grade 12

Category - Biology

The primary benefit of contour plowing on a farm is that it:
  1. Increases organic matter and helps maintain soil structure.
  2. Reduces the need for irrigation and cultivation.
  3. Increases the angle and availability of incident light.
  4. Reduces soil erosion due to water runoff.
Explanation
Correct Response: D. In contour plowing, the soil is tilled following the contours of hills rather than down the slope. This reduces the amount of soil that is washed away during rain and also increases the amount of water the soil can absorb. Contour plowing by itself does not increase organic matter (A); it just prevents it from being washed away. Contour plowing is a method of cultivation (B), or preparing the soil for planting, so it does not reduce the need to cultivate. Following the existing contours of the land when plowing does not change the angle at which light would hit the crops (C).
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