What agricultural practice is commonly used to help maintain and improve soil quality?

Direct seeding is an agricultural practice that helps maintain and improve soil quality by minimizing soil disturbance and preserving soil structure. This method involves planting seeds directly into the soil without the need for extensive tilling. As a result, direct seeding can enhance soil health by promoting better moisture retention, reducing erosion, and increasing organic matter levels. The integrity of soil ecosystems is also maintained, leading to a more sustainable farming practice. By protecting soil microbes and their habitats, this approach contributes to long-term soil fertility and crop productivity.

In contrast, practices such as improper fertilizer management, traditional tillage, and over-fertilization negatively impact soil quality. Improper fertilizer management can lead to nutrient imbalances and contamination, traditional tillage often disrupts soil structure and increasing erosion, while over-fertilization can result in nutrient runoff and diminishing soil health over time.