What role do nurse crops play in weed management?

Nurse crops are specifically planted alongside main crops to provide benefits during the establishment phase. One of their primary roles in weed management is to suppress weed growth. By establishing a strong and competitive growth presence, nurse crops create shade and resource competition, which limits the ability of weeds to thrive. This suppression is especially crucial in the early stages of crop development when crops are vulnerable, helping ensure that the main crops have better access to light, water, and nutrients without having to compete with aggressive weed species.

The choice highlighting the increase in annual weed diversity is misleading, as nurse crops aim to create conditions unfavorable for weed establishment rather than promoting it. The option about enhancing seed production of weeds goes against the purpose of utilizing a nurse crop, which is to minimize weed competition. Lastly, while nurse crops can contribute to soil health, their primary function in this specific context is not directly tied to improving soil fertility but rather focused on providing cover to deter weeds.