Which of the following is NOT a method of increasing soil fertility?

Footpath erosion is not a method of increasing soil fertility. Instead, it can actually degrade the soil quality and reduce fertility. When footpaths form, they compact the soil and can lead to soil degradation through erosion and loss of nutrients. Other options listed, such as using fertiliser, cover cropping, and composting, are all practices aimed at enhancing soil fertility.

Using fertiliser adds essential nutrients to the soil, promoting plant growth. Cover cropping helps maintain soil structure and enriches the soil with organic matter when the cover crops are plowed back in. Composting recycles organic waste back into the soil, improving its structure, moisture retention, and nutrient content. Thus, choices A, B, and D are all valid methods for increasing soil fertility, while footpath erosion does the opposite.