Certified Forester Practice Exam

Which forestry practice is aimed at minimizing soil erosion?

1. Clear-cutting

2. Agroforestry

3. Selective logging

4. Slash-and-burn

The correct answer is: Agroforestry

Agroforestry is aimed at minimizing soil erosion through the integration of trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes. This practice helps stabilize the soil with the root systems of the trees, which can hold the soil in place and prevent it from being washed away by rain or blown away by wind. The additional vegetation not only protects the soil but also contributes to improved biodiversity, enhances the capacity of the land to retain moisture, and can provide additional income streams for landowners through fruit, nuts, or timber. By incorporating trees into farming systems, agroforestry creates a more resilient ecosystem that effectively reduces the impact of soil erosion while simultaneously providing environmental and economic benefits. In contrast, practices like clear-cutting, selective logging, and slash-and-burn can more readily contribute to soil erosion by disturbing the soil structure and removing protective vegetation.