Question

Fallen leaves from trees are useful because they
A) Solve the problem of fuelwood in village households
B) Enrich water quality
C) Enrich soil fertility
D) Beautify landscape

Answer 1

Hint: Weathering is the process in which the leaves fall down on the ground. They are generally shed in the autumn season with the pale yellow or red colour. They are very useful for the plants growing around them.

Complete answer:
Weather plays an important role in the falling process. Change in the weather causes the fall of leaves to take place. There are times when extreme weather can affect the fall of the leaves. The falling of leaves down from the tree indicate the arrival of autumn. However, colourful and awe-inspiring autumn leaves are generally hazardous if they are left for long on the ground.

Fallen leaves form a dense insulator to protect trees’ roots that generally prevent the competing plants that are growing around from getting hampered. On decomposition, these plants can be useful for the plants growing around them.

Let us analyze the given options:
A) Solve the problem of fuelwood in village households: Fallen leaves are a rich source of minerals for decomposition. For the purpose of fuelwood, the stems of the trees are used up as a source of fuel that is generally used up as a source of light energy. This fuel is used up for the production of food and many other activities of life.

B) Enrich water quality: Water is one of the most important resources that is needed for sustaining life. Fallen leaves do not play any role in the enrichment of the quality of water. This is because leaves are used as a source of energy on the land but not in the marine or aquatic area.

C) Enrich soil fertility: Fallen leaves on the ground are generally used up as a source of nutrition. They form an insulating cover that keeps the soil and the plant warm in the winter season. Shredded leaves are generally used as a fertilizer for garden beds and lawns. They form up a compost pile with the soil and after some days decompose to provide nutrients to the soil and thus increase its fertility.

D) Beautify landscape: Shredded leaves are a major cause in the autumn season due to plenty of leaves on the road and side lanes. They are a major cause to collect them in the autumn season. Instead of beautifying the area, these fallen leaves deteriorate the landscape.

Fallen leaves are a major source of nutrients for the plants growing around them. They enrich the soil. So, the correct answer is to enrich soil fertility.
Therefore, option (C) is correct.

Note: Fallen leaves can be useful to us in many ways throughout the year. They are home to most of the insects that are living in the soil or on the ground. When the leaves are composted on their own they usually end up in leaf mould, which is highly-priced if sold by the gardeners. Compost piles work most efficiently if they contain both green and brown coloured leaves.