A layer on the soil surface used to reduce water evaporation is called what?

A layer on the soil surface used to reduce water evaporation is called what?

• A. Mulch
• B. Natural hazard
• C. Niche
• D. Mineral

Answer: (A)

Conserving soil moisture by covering the soil surface with a layer of material. This layer is mulch. Mulch reduces water loss by shading the soil, lowering surface temperature, and slowing down evaporation, while also reducing wind removal of moisture. It can be organic—like straw, leaves, wood chips, or compost—or inorganic, such as plastic. In addition, organic mulch can improve soil health as it decomposes. A natural hazard is a risky environmental event, a niche is an organism’s role in its ecosystem, and a mineral is a solid inorganic substance found in soil; none of these describe a protective cover on the soil surface.

Conserving soil moisture by covering the soil surface with a layer of material. This layer is mulch. Mulch reduces water loss by shading the soil, lowering surface temperature, and slowing down evaporation, while also reducing wind removal of moisture. It can be organic—like straw, leaves, wood chips, or compost—or inorganic, such as plastic. In addition, organic mulch can improve soil health as it decomposes. A natural hazard is a risky environmental event, a niche is an organism’s role in its ecosystem, and a mineral is a solid inorganic substance found in soil; none of these describe a protective cover on the soil surface.