Question map
The term soil impoverishment relates to which one of the following?
Explanation
Soil impoverishment refers to the process where soil becomes significantly deficient in essential plant nutrients, leading to a decline in fertility and productivity. This phenomenon is often a consequence of soil degradation, where the removal of productive nutrients occurs through physical processes like soil erosion [2] or anthropogenic factors such as monoculture and the sowing of soil-exhaustive crops. While soil erosion is a primary driver of nutrient loss [2], the term 'impoverishment' specifically describes the resulting state of nutrient depletion. Continuous cultivation without adequate replenishment through crop rotation or fertilization exhausts the soil's mineral and organic content. Sustainable practices, such as scientific crop rotation involving nitrogen-fixing crops, are essential to counteract this depletion and maintain soil health. Therefore, soil impoverishment is synonymous with the loss of the soil's capacity to support plant growth due to nutrient scarcity [2].
Sources
- [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > 1. Soil Pollution > p. 34