Question

Soil fertility can be destroyed by:
(A) cutting down forests
(B) acid rain
(C) overgrazing and overirrigation
(D) all of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Soil fertility is one of the important components to keep our environment under stability. It is responsible for the healthy growth of plants and provides them with essential nutrients. Soil fertility can be destroyed by a number of human activities. Acid rains are one of the serious processes that lead to severe depletion of soil fertility by changing the pH of soil. Overgrazing and deforestation can lead to soil erosion and reduce soil fertility. Overirrigation can lead to leaching thus reducing soil fertility.
Step by step solution: The ability of the soil to offer all necessary plant nutrients in readily available forms and in an appropriate balance is known as soil fertility. The capacity of the soil to produce a given crop yield under clearly defined and predetermined systems of input management and environmental conditions is known as soil productivity. The ability of soil to support plant growth by offering vital plant nutrients and desirable chemical, physical, and biological properties as a habitat for plant growth is known as soil fertility. The macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as sulphur, calcium, and magnesium, are all present in plants.
Deforestation was shown to have a negative impact on the majority of soil fertility indicators, and more than half of the organic matter was lost as a result. This could result in a decline in the soil's quality or the ability of the land to be productive. In the tropics, soil erosion is a common problem due to the loss of trees, whose roots anchor the soil. Only a small percentage of places have good soils, and after they have been cleared, the frequent severe rains swiftly wash them away.
It is believed that acid rain is causing soils and freshwaters to become more acidic, which dissolves and releases aluminium at levels that are harmful to plants and fish. Additionally, it's claimed that acid rain depletes soils of nutrients, reducing their fertility.
Overgrazing can reduce ground cover, which makes it easier for wind and rain to erode and compact the soil. Because of the decreased capacity for plant growth and water penetration, soil microorganisms are harmed, and the land is severely eroded. Over-irrigation consumes time, causes nitrogen and other micronutrients to leach, increases pumping energy use, and results in water loss. Over-irrigation also causes nitrogen losses to groundwater, increased fertiliser expenditures, and increased nitrogen needs for crops.
Hence, option (D) is correct.
Note: In order to generate healthy food that is full of all the nutrients required for human health, fertile soil also offers important nutrients for plant growth. Fertility also affects economic activity, making it relevant to both the expansion of the economy and the struggle against poverty. Therefore, soil fertility is very important.