Final answer:
Deforestation is the primary reason for soil erosion, as it leads to loss of vegetation that normally protects the soil, and it is exacerbated by activities such as agricultural expansion and livestock farming. This contributes to biodiversity loss, disruption of the water cycle, and desertification, making the environment less capable of supporting plant life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Soil erosion has become a significant problem for plants primarily due to deforestation. When trees and plants are cleared, the soil is left bare and vulnerable to erosion from rain, wind, and other erosive forces. Deforestation leads to a loss of biodiversity, disrupts the water cycle, and results in the deterioration of soil quality.
Deforestation is largely driven by agricultural expansion, particularly livestock farming, which accounts for a significant percentage of forest clearing. This practice degrades the land, eliminating habitats for diverse species and causing soil to lose its fertility and structure, resulting in increased soil erosion. Without the protective cover of vegetation, the rate of erosion can increase dramatically, jeopardizing the soil's ability to support plant life.
Moreover, the removal of trees leads to a decline in the availability of nutrients at the surface level in tropical regions, where most nutrients are in the decaying organic matter from trees. The absence of trees means those nutrients are not replenished, causing the land to become barren and more susceptible to desertification. Furthermore, excessive farming, reliance on pesticides, and overgrazing also contribute to the problem.