Benefits of Living Plants in Soil

The video discusses the benefits of using living plants over mulch for soil health. Dr. Wendy Seabrook explains that living plants provide better food sources for soil organisms and help accumulate more organic matter. The video highlights the importance of root exudates and organic inputs from plants in maintaining soil health. It also covers methods like green manure, cover crops, and living mulch for growing a cover of living plants. While mulch is useful, living plants offer long-term benefits for soil ecosystems.

What is one of the main reasons for choosing living plant covers over mulch?

• They require less water.

• They are cheaper to maintain.

• They provide a better food source for soil organisms.

• They are easier to plant.

What additional benefits do living plants provide compared to mulch?

• They produce more flowers.

• They grow faster.

• They need less sunlight.

• They supply root tissues and exudates.

What is the primary role of root exudates?

• To feed soil organisms.

• To enhance plant color.

• To repel pests.

• To attract pollinators.

What is a key advantage of living plant covers in terms of soil health?

• They increase soil temperature.

• They reduce soil moisture.

• They improve soil structure.

• They decrease soil pH.

What is the main ecological benefit of improving the food supply to soil organisms?

• It enhances soil ecosystem repair and maintenance.

• It increases plant height.

• It speeds up plant growth.

• It reduces the need for fertilizers.

Why is the carbon from above-ground sources like mulch less effective in soil?

• It is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

• It is absorbed by plants immediately.

• It is washed away by rain.

• It evaporates quickly.

How do living plants contribute to soil organic matter?

• By reducing soil temperature.

• Through leaf litter only.

• Through root tissues and exudates.

• By providing shade.

What is green manure?

• A type of compost.

• A short-term cover of plants worked into the soil.

• A method of pest control.

• A type of fertilizer.

What is living mulch?

• A temporary plant cover.

• A perennial ground cover using self-seeding plants.

• A type of synthetic mulch.

• A seasonal plant cover.

What is the long-term benefit of using living plant covers over mulch?

• They require less maintenance.

• They are more visually appealing.

• They provide a sustainable source of organic matter.

• They grow faster.