propagating in a rich soil

[English Learner]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #883 "The History of Coffee", question 5

Coffee bushes or trees seem to produce the best beans when grown in a tropical environment, ......... in a soil rich in nutrients of calcium, nitrogen and magnesium.

(a) propagates
(b) propagated
(c) propagating
(d) propagate

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #883 "The History of Coffee", answer 5

Coffee bushes or trees seem to produce the best beans when grown in a tropical environment, propagating in a soil rich in nutrients of calcium, nitrogen and magnesium.

Correct answer: (c) propagating
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What does it mean ''propagate'?

liza

[Mister Micawber]

Do you have a DICTIONARY, Liza?
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Uyenbe123]

I do have dictionaries; however, my dictionary states that propagate means "announce", "spead"

could you explain the word "propagating in" for us please?

Thank you

[Beeesneees]

Look at definition 2 in this dictionary:
http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/propagate
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Cheers m' dears!