What conditions during the non-growing season contribute to nutrient loss?

Nutrient loss during the non-growing season is significantly influenced by soil moisture levels and the presence or absence of vegetation cover. Wet soils, particularly when there is less cover, create conditions that facilitate both runoff and leaching.

When the ground is saturated, any additional rainfall or melting snow can lead to increased surface runoff, which can wash away nutrients that are present in the soil. Moreover, wet soils can lead to the leaching of nutrients, where water percolates through the soil, carrying with it important elements like nitrogen and phosphorus. The absence of adequate vegetative cover means that there are fewer roots to absorb these nutrients before they are lost to runoff or leaching, exacerbating the issue of nutrient loss in these conditions.

Drier soils would not have the necessary moisture content to leach nutrients effectively, while rapid evaporation and dense crop cover can actually help retain nutrients and prevent runoff. High temperatures and low rainfall generally lead to drier conditions, which further reduce the potential for nutrient loss through leaching or runoff. Thus, the conditions described in the chosen answer accurately reflect how moisture and cover influence nutrient retention in soils during the non-growing season.