In plant care, what does continuous monitoring of moisture levels prevent?

Continuous monitoring of moisture levels is crucial in plant care primarily to prevent overwatering. When plants are overwatered, the roots can become saturated, leading to a lack of oxygen and potentially causing root rot. This condition can hinder the plant's ability to uptake nutrients and, ultimately, can lead to plant mortality. By regularly checking moisture levels, gardeners and horticulturists can better gauge when to water, ensuring that plants receive just the right amount of water they need without excess moisture accumulating in the soil.

While the other options relate to different aspects of plant health, they do not directly connect to the specific issue of managing water levels. Over-fertilization may stem from applying too much fertilizer rather than moisture levels. Diseases can arise from various environmental factors, and soil erosion typically concerns how soil is managed and does not directly relate to moisture content in the way that overwatering does.