Which of the following is a potential outcome of improved soil health?

Improved soil health is fundamentally linked to better agricultural outcomes, making the third option the most accurate. Enhancing soil health typically involves practices that promote organic matter, improve soil structure, and increase microbial activity. As a result, soils become more resilient, able to retain moisture, and provide better nutrient availability for crops.

These improvements translate directly into better crop yields, as plants are able to develop stronger root systems and access necessary nutrients more efficiently. Furthermore, healthier soils help crops withstand adverse conditions such as drought and extreme weather, which are becoming more common due to climate change. This resilience indicates that not only are the yields likely to improve, but the overall productivity and sustainability of farming practices can be enhanced through the adoption of soil health management practices.

The other choices highlight potential negative impacts that are contrary to the expectations of improved soil health. For example, increased soil erosion, decreased crop resilience, and biodiversity loss would typically be associated with poor soil management rather than the positive outcomes that stem from practices aimed at improving soil health. Thus, the link between improved soil health and enhanced crop performance is clear and represents a key aspect of sustainable agriculture encouraged by conservation practices supported in programs under the USDA Farm Bill.