Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Which plant type is best suited for erosion control?

1. Deep-rooted perennials

2. Annual flowers

3. Succulents

4. Ornamental grasses

The correct answer is: Deep-rooted perennials

Deep-rooted perennials are particularly effective for erosion control due to their extensive and deep root systems, which help stabilize soil and reduce runoff. These roots create a network that binds the soil, making it less susceptible to being washed away by water or blown away by wind. The robustness of perennial plants means they can establish themselves long-term, leading to a more sustainable solution for erosion problems compared to transient plant types. Annual flowers, while they might provide temporary ground cover, do not establish long roots that can effectively hold soil in place over time. Similarly, succulents are designed to store water and are not typically deep-rooted or sufficient for anchoring large areas of soil. Ornamental grasses can also help with erosion control, but their roots are often not as extensive as those of deep-rooted perennials, making them less effective in comparison. Overall, the ability of deep-rooted perennials to penetrate deeply into the soil provides them with a clear advantage in preventing erosion.