Which of the following is commonly associated with increasing soil quality?

The use of cover crops is widely recognized as a practice that enhances soil quality. Cover crops are plants that are grown primarily to protect and enrich the soil rather than to be harvested and sold. They contribute to soil health by preventing erosion, enhancing soil structure, improving moisture retention, and boosting organic matter when they decompose.

Additionally, cover crops can aid in nutrient cycling. For example, legumes in particular can fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it available for subsequent crops. This can lead to a reduction in the need for synthetic fertilizers, which are known to contribute to soil and water quality issues when misused.

In contrast, practices such as increasing pesticide usage often lead to adverse effects on soil and water quality, harming beneficial organisms and disrupting soil ecology. Environmental contamination from inappropriately applied chemicals can degrade both soil and surrounding ecosystems. Overgrazing negatively impacts soil health by removing vegetation, leading to erosion and depletion of soil nutrients. In summary, while cover crops provide numerous benefits that enhance soil quality, the other options mention practices that can lead to degradation rather than improvement.