Question

An increase in soy production coupled with poor farming practices associated with substantial erosion, would most likely lead to....

Answer 1

Increased soy production, coupled with poor farming practices, leads to land degradation, nutrient-poor soils, increased soil salinity, and possible desertification due to soil erosion and other forms of soil depletion.

Step-by-step explanation:

An increase in soy production coupled with poor farming practices associated with substantial erosion would most likely lead to severe land degradation, including nutrient-poor soils, increased soil salinity, and potentially desertification. This outcome occurs due to crucial factors such as the loss of organic matter within the soil, disruption of natural nutrient cycles, soil erosion from over-farming, and salinization from inadequate irrigation practices. The excessive use of agricultural land for soy production without sustainable practices can exacerbate these issues, reducing the land's future productivity and causing environmental damage.

Historical examples, such as the conditions faced by Southern sharecroppers in the late 1800s, show how intensive cultivation can strip the land of its nutrients, leading to soil erosion and ultimately a decline in soil fertility. The immediate impact of modern farming techniques, like those introduced during the Green Revolution, can boost food production but may also have long-term detrimental effects on the soil

Answer 2

An increase in soy production combined with poor farming practices mainly leads to soil erosion, desertification, and nutrient-poor soils. These effects contribute to an overall reduction in the productivity and health of the land, which can have long-term environmental consequences.

Step-by-step explanation:

An increase in soy production coupled with poor farming practices associated with substantial erosion would most likely lead to several detrimental outcomes for the soil and environment. Among the options provided, soil erosion, desertification, and nutrient-poor soils are the most likely consequences. Over time, soil erosion can significantly reduce soil fertility, leading to nutrient-poor soils which in turn can advance towards desertification if the condition persists unmitigated. This degradation process is exacerbated by deforestation, which not only contributes to soil erosion but also affects habitats, the water cycle, and increases greenhouse gas emissions. The history of agriculture, including the attempts to increase yields through the 'Green Revolution', has shown that such gains are often offset by the long-term degradation of soil quality.