What is one way agricultural biotechnology can improve soil health?

Developing crops with deeper root systems is a viable way agricultural biotechnology can enhance soil health. Crops engineered to have deeper roots can more effectively access water and nutrients from the soil, promoting better plant growth and reducing the need for irrigation. These deeper roots can also improve soil structure, as they create channels that allow air and water to penetrate more effectively, contributing to better soil aeration and drainage.

Additionally, crops with deeper roots can enhance soil organic matter as they contribute biomass to the soil through root exudates and decaying root materials. This increase in organic matter can enhance soil microbial diversity and activity, which is crucial for nutrient cycling and overall soil fertility. The interaction of deeper roots with the soil microbiome can also help in building healthy soil ecosystems.

The other options, such as developing crops with shallow roots, increasing the use of chemical fertilizers, or promoting monoculture practices, would not contribute positively to soil health. Instead, they could lead to negative consequences such as reduced soil structure, increased erosion, and depletion of soil nutrients, which undermine the sustainability of agricultural practices.