Which of the following is one of the purposes of soil roughening?

Soil roughening is a technique used in erosion and sedimentation control that involves creating a textured surface on the soil. One of its primary purposes is to aid in the establishment of vegetative cover.

By creating microtopography on the soil surface, roughening enhances water infiltration and retention, which helps seeds germinate and root systems to establish more effectively. This uneven surface can also protect seeds from being washed away by stormwater runoff, facilitating plant growth. The roughened surface can capture and hold moisture, creating a more favorable environment for vegetation to thrive. Consequently, the proliferation of plants contributes to preventing soil erosion and improving overall soil stability.

The other choices—decreasing soil pH, increasing runoff rate, and reducing soil moisture retention—do not align with the primary goals of soil roughening. Instead, soil roughening aims to promote plant growth and improve soil health by creating a more hospitable environment for vegetation.