Concept:Mulching is the practice of covering the soil surface with materials like straw, leaves, or plastic to protect the soil and improve its moisture-holding ability.
Explanation:The main effect of mulching is that it forms a protective layer over the soil.
This layer shields the ground from direct sunlight and strong winds.
As a result, the rate of evaporation of water from the soil is greatly reduced.
Less evaporation means more water stays available in the soil for plant roots.
Mulching also helps to check runoff and improves water infiltration.
It does not primarily increase soil temperature; in fact, it keeps the soil cooler in hot conditions.
Mulch does not directly provide nutrients to the soil, although it may add organic matter as it decomposes.
It certainly does not increase the rate of evaporation — it lowers it.
Therefore, the key function is conserving soil moisture.
Answer:C. conserves moisture in the soil