Question

Explain how forests influence the air, soil, and water resources.

Answer 1

Forests influence the air, soil, and water resources in the following manner:

1. The air: Forests help in cleaning the air by consuming carbon dioxide, liberating oxygen, and releasing water vapor leading to sufficient rainfall. Thus, it not only helps clean the air of carbon dioxide but also reduced the effects of global warming.
2. The soil: The roots and root hairs of the trees help to bind the soil particles together. This prevents them from deteriorating. Thus, forests help prevent soil erosion.
3. The water: Forests help in maintaining a balanced water cycle through transpiration. The release of water vapour increases the relative humidity in the area and leads to cloud formation. The water vapour condenses into clouds at higher, cooler layers of the atmosphere. Upon saturation, these clouds burst and cause rainfall. The rain replenishes surface water and groundwater.