Examine how over-cropping / over-grazing and desertification can affect soils. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 16 - 2007

Over-cropping can deplete nutrients in the soil due to repeated cultivation of the same crops without adequate-rest and replenishment. As crops absorb essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, soils may become less fertile over time, leading to reduced crop yields.

Over-grazing by livestock can lead to soil compaction and erosion. When animals graze excessively, they remove vegetation that protects the soil, making it more susceptible to erosion by wind and water. This can result in loss of topsoil, which is critical for plant growth.

Desertification exacerbates the effects of over-cropping and over-grazing. As land becomes desertified, the organic matter in the soil diminishes, leading to further nutrient depletion. This process can render previously arable land barren, severely impacting local agriculture and ecosystems.