Question

How does fertilizer usage, soil degradation, and deforestation all tie in together?

Answer 1

Answer:

Fertilizer usage is linked to the agricultural practice with an aim to enhance the crop yield. Inadequae use of fertilizers however causes soil degradation because these practices overlook the spatial differences in soil fertility status in agricultrual systems. Specifically, not all soils require fertilizer application at the same levels. A recommended approach is that, initially, there should be a proper study of limited nutrients in the soil and thereon only those nutrients should be given at controlled concentrations, which are limited. A major reason is that high concentration of specific nutrients would affect the bioavailability of other nutrients in the long run and could also lead to soil degradation (by affecting soil health status). The microbial population in the soil could also change that are typical for essential biogeochemical cycles. This is a very critical aspect in future future agriculture and to preserve the environment. Deforestation is a condition when the plants are cut excessively for agricultural purposes. If soil degradation continues as discussed above, it would put a reduce the overall proportion of agricultrual land and cutting of naturally grown forests would be required. This would turn the green zones into agricultural zones (in future). This is a pressure on ecosystem and the consequences can be really harsh.