What is the impact of monocropping on soil health?

Monocropping refers to the agricultural practice of growing a single crop species over a wide area for many consecutive seasons. The impact of this practice on soil health is notably negative due to several factors.

One major consequence of monocropping is the depletion of soil nutrients. When the same crop is cultivated repeatedly, it tends to extract specific nutrients from the soil that are vital for its growth, leading to nutrient imbalances and depletion over time. For instance, if a particular crop requires high levels of nitrogen, the continuous planting of that crop can deplete the nitrogen available in the soil, which adversely affects crop health and yield potential.

Additionally, monocropping can exacerbate pest and disease pressures. A single crop type provides a consistent food source for pests and diseases specifically adapted to that plant. Without crop rotation or diversity, these pests can proliferate, leading to greater infestations and disease outbreaks, requiring increased use of chemical pesticides and herbicides, which can further deteriorate soil health and the surrounding ecosystem.

Thus, option B correctly highlights the dual issues of nutrient depletion and increased pest pressures as critical impacts of monocropping on soil health.