Water Nuggets Practice Exam

Native plants provide significant environmental benefits in gardening, particularly when it comes to maintaining soil health. They are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which means they establish deep root systems that help stabilize the soil. These deep roots enhance soil structure, promote water infiltration, and reduce erosion. Furthermore, native plants often support a diverse array of microorganisms in the soil, which are crucial for nutrient cycling and overall soil fertility.

In addition, native plants typically require less water and fewer amendments compared to non-native species, further promoting healthier soil systems by reducing the risk of runoff and soil degradation. This makes them an ideal choice for sustainable gardening practices that prioritize environmental health and resilience.

As for the other options, while energy consumption reduction might be an indirect benefit from decreased irrigation needs, it is not a primary environmental impact associated with native plants. Constant chemical treatments are counterproductive to the advantages native plants offer, as they generally thrive with minimal intervention. Lastly, native plants actually promote biodiversity by providing habitat for local wildlife rather than limiting plant species diversity.