What should be prioritized when creating a sustainable landscape?

• A. Maximizing water usage
• B. Minimizing the use of high-efficiency systems
• C. Creating healthy living soils
• D. Implementing irregular watering schedules

Answer: (C)

Creating healthy living soils is fundamental to establishing a sustainable landscape because soil health directly impacts plant growth, nutrient cycling, and water retention. Healthy soils are rich in organic matter and support a diverse community of microorganisms that are essential for nutrient availability and disease resistance in plants. By prioritizing soil health, you can enhance the landscape's resilience to drought, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, and optimize water use efficiency.

In sustainable landscaping, the focus is on developing ecosystems that function well with minimal human intervention. Healthy living soils not only contribute to the vitality of plants but also play a significant role in water management. Soils that are aerated and rich in organic matter have a higher capacity to absorb and hold water, reducing runoff and allowing plants to access moisture more effectively.

The other choices would not contribute positively to sustainability. Maximizing water usage contradicts the principles of water conservation critical to sustainable landscape practices. Minimizing high-efficiency systems would hinder the ability to apply appropriate irrigation techniques that conserve water and maintain landscape health. Lastly, implementing irregular watering schedules may lead to inadequate water delivery during critical growth periods or inconsistent moisture levels, which is detrimental to the health of plants and the overall sustainability of the landscape.