Which practice is associated with negative effects on soil from industrial agriculture?

Monoculture is the practice of growing a single crop or plant species over a wide area for multiple consecutive seasons. This approach can lead to various negative effects on soil health.

Growing only one type of crop depletes specific nutrients from the soil that that crop requires, resulting in a reduction in soil fertility over time. Additionally, this practice can increase the vulnerability of the soil to erosion and pest infestations, as the lack of diverse plants can disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem. Pests and diseases that target the specific crop can thrive in monoculture conditions because there are no other species to deter them.

In contrast, practices like crop rotation, organic farming, and integrated pest management focus on maintaining ecological balance and promoting soil health. Crop rotation allows soil nutrients to replenish by alternating different crops, organic farming enhances soil biodiversity and avoids synthetic chemicals, and integrated pest management emphasizes the use of natural predators and minimal chemical use to control pests without harming the surrounding ecosystem. Therefore, the consequences of monoculture highlight the importance of diverse agricultural practices for sustainable soil management.