Which practice is commonly recognized as detrimental to soil health?

Monoculture planting is recognized as detrimental to soil health because it involves growing a single crop species in a particular area for an extended period. This practice can lead to a number of negative consequences for soil quality and ecosystem health.

When the same crop is planted repeatedly, the soil becomes depleted of specific nutrients that the crop repeatedly extracts. This nutrient depletion can result in diminished soil fertility and structure over time. Additionally, monoculture can exacerbate pest and disease problems, as pests can become specialized and thrive under the lack of biodiversity, leading to a greater need for chemical inputs such as pesticides.

In contrast, practices like crop rotation, use of cover crops, and conservation tillage are designed to enhance soil health by promoting biodiversity, improving nutrient cycling, and preventing erosion. These methods support microbial diversity, help maintain soil structure, and promote a more resilient agricultural system, ultimately contributing to healthier soil and better crop yields. Thus, monoculture planting stands out as a practice that undermines the health of the soil ecosystem.