Which term describes the layer on the soil surface used to conserve moisture?

Which term describes the layer on the soil surface used to conserve moisture?

• A. Migration
• B. Ocean trench
• C. Natural hazard
• D. Mulch

Answer: (D)

Mulch is the layer placed on the soil surface to conserve moisture. By shading the soil and reducing evaporation, mulch helps keep more water in the ground, which is especially helpful in hot or dry conditions. It can be organic—like straw, leaves, or compost—or inorganic—like plastic or gravel. Besides conserving moisture, mulch also helps suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and prevent erosion. The other terms aren’t about a protective soil layer: migration means movement of organisms, an ocean trench is a deep underwater feature, and a natural hazard refers to a risky event, not a material layer used to preserve soil moisture.

Mulch is the layer placed on the soil surface to conserve moisture. By shading the soil and reducing evaporation, mulch helps keep more water in the ground, which is especially helpful in hot or dry conditions. It can be organic—like straw, leaves, or compost—or inorganic—like plastic or gravel. Besides conserving moisture, mulch also helps suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and prevent erosion. The other terms aren’t about a protective soil layer: migration means movement of organisms, an ocean trench is a deep underwater feature, and a natural hazard refers to a risky event, not a material layer used to preserve soil moisture.