Final answer:
A major issue with the open field system was soil depletion caused by overuse of land without rest, leading to reduced soil quality and productivity due to topsoil erosion and ecological damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
One significant problem with growing crops in the open field system was the depletion of topsoil due to continuous farming without allowing the land to regenerate.
Methods that increased short-term yields such as the use of fertilizers and overplanting, contributed to this issue. When natural vegetation was removed for planting, the exposed soil became susceptible to erosion from rain and wind, further decreasing the quality and productivity of the land.
This unsustainable agricultural practice not only reduced the long-term viability of the land but also caused ecological damage by depositing silt and fertilizer runoff into nearby rivers.