More minerals are lost from the field. More nutrients in the soil are dissolved. The organic matter in the soil increases. The number of organisms in the soil decreases.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: After fields of crops are harvested, parts of the plants remain on the ground. For many years, farmers have mixed these plant remains into the soil. Which most likely results from this practice?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- More minerals are lost from the field.
- More nutrients in the soil are dissolved.
- The organic matter in the soil increases.
- The number of organisms in the soil decreases.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

The organic matter in the soil increases.