In what way does the nutrient cycle benefit agricultural practices?

The nutrient cycle is fundamental to agricultural practices as it ensures a continuous supply of essential nutrients needed for plant growth. Plants absorb nutrients from the soil, and when they die or shed leaves, these materials decompose and return nutrients back to the soil, enriching it for future crops. This natural recycling process is critical for maintaining soil fertility, which in turn supports healthy crop production over time.

Stable nutrient availability allows farmers to grow crops more effectively without depleting the soil, as nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are replenished through processes such as decomposition and microbial activity. This establishes a sustainable agricultural system whereby farmers can produce food efficiently while minimizing the need for artificial fertilizers, which can be costly and environmentally detrimental.

The other options do not directly address the key benefit of the nutrient cycle in agriculture. Simplifying the planting process and requiring less monitoring of crops may be desirable outcomes, but they are not the primary benefits of the nutrient cycle. Decreasing labor costs may result from improved nutrient management, but it is a secondary effect rather than a direct outcome of the nutrient cycle itself.