Soil acidification can occur due to1. heavy rainfall2. application of ...
2 and 3 only
Explanation:heavy rain will increase the soil pH and thus reduce soil acidity.
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Soil acidification can occur due to1. heavy rainfall2. application of ...
Understanding Soil Acidification
Soil acidification is a critical environmental issue that affects agricultural productivity and ecosystem health. It can occur through various processes, notably:
1. Heavy Rainfall
- Heavy rainfall can lead to leaching, where essential nutrients are washed away from the soil.
- As nutrients such as calcium and magnesium are depleted, the soil becomes more acidic.
- This process can also result in the accumulation of acids like nitric and sulfuric acid.
2. Application of Fertilizer
- The use of chemical fertilizers, particularly those high in ammonium (like ammonium sulfate), can contribute to soil acidification.
- When these fertilizers are applied, they can increase the hydrogen ion concentration in the soil, leading to a decrease in pH levels.
- Continuous fertilizer use without adequate soil management practices can exacerbate this issue.
3. Shifting Cultivation
- Shifting cultivation, while it may initially seem sustainable, can lead to soil degradation over time.
- This practice often involves clearing land and burning vegetation, which can temporarily increase soil fertility.
- However, repeated cycles can deplete soil nutrients and lead to increased acidity due to the loss of organic matter and nutrients.
Conclusion
Given the explanations above, the correct answer is indeed option 'C' (2 and 3 only). Heavy rainfall contributes to leaching and can indirectly affect acidity, but the primary drivers of soil acidification in this context are the application of fertilizers and the practices associated with shifting cultivation.