Question

Which of the following statements is/are true with reference to soil erosion?

• A. Deforestation exposes land to the forces of wind and water leading to loss of topsoil and nutrients.
• B. Logging of forests protects the ground from soil erosion.
• C. Overgrazing reduces the ability for plants to grow and water to penetrate leading to loss of soil microbes.
• D. The overuse of pesticides changes the soil composition and disrupts the balence of micro-organisms in the soil.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C), (D)

The overuse of pesticides changes the soil composition and disrupts the balence of micro-organisms in the soil.

The major causes of soil erosion are deforestation, overgrazing, surface mining, construction, and the extensive use of agro-chemicals. When agriculture fields replace natural vegetation, the topsoil gets exposed to running water and wind. The diversity and quantity of micro-organisms that help to keep the soil fertile, can decrease and nutrients may wash out. Sustainable land management practices and agricultural techniques can prevent soil erosion.