Growing plants shield soil from raindrops. They prevent some of the raindrops from busting soil particles apart. Also, plant roots help to hold the soil together. This keeps some of the soil from being eroded--moved by water or wind.
Growing corn creates what’s called a “crop canopy.” The crop’s leaves shield the soil from rain and erosion--just like a canopy.
Photo: U of I College of ACES-ITCS