A crop designed to protect soil from erosion and trap nutrients is known as a:

A crop designed to protect soil from erosion and trap nutrients is known as a cover crop. Cover crops are typically grown in between main crop cycles and serve several important agricultural functions. One of their primary purposes is to prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with their root systems. This is especially valuable on slopes or in areas prone to heavy rainfall, as the plants help reduce runoff and maintain soil integrity.

Additionally, cover crops can improve soil health by enhancing nutrient retention. They contribute to organic matter after being plowed under, which can enhance soil fertility and structure. Certain cover crops fix nitrogen in the soil, adding this crucial nutrient that can benefit subsequent crops.

In contrast, fallow crops are left unplanted to allow soil to rest, intercrops refer to the practice of growing different crops simultaneously on the same land to maximize space and resources, and companion crops are planted alongside main crops to provide benefits such as pest control or pollination. These options do not specifically prioritize the functions of erosion control or nutrient trapping in the same way that cover crops do.