Final answer:
Soil quality is monitored to protect the food supply by ensuring crops remain healthy and productive, and to slow the salinization process which can degrade soil and reduce agricultural productivity. Additionally, monitoring soil helps address various environmental issues which indirectly promotes ecological health.
Step-by-step explanation:
People might monitor soil quality primarily for two reasons. The first is To protect the food supply, and the second is to slow the salinization process. Ensuring good soil quality is essential because it directly impacts the health and productivity of crops which in turn sustains the food supply. Moreover, soil monitoring can help detect and mitigate the process of salinization, which can lead to the degradation of soil and a reduction in agricultural yields.
Monitoring soil quality also aids in combating issues like nutrient-poor soils, pesticide resistance, and desertification. All of these factors can drastically affect the productivity of land and its suitability for agriculture. Additionally, by maintaining good soil quality, we can protect biodiversity and conserve habitats, promoting overall ecological health. While not directly mentioned in the options provided, these endeavors indirectly support wildlife conservation and air quality by preserving ecosystems and preventing practices that could lead to pollution.