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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The role of agriculture in contributing to environmental degradation.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: The role of agriculture in contributing to environmental degradation.

Question: In what ways does agriculture contribute to environmental degradation, and what measures can be taken to minimize these effects?

Model Answer:
Agriculture is a significant contributor to environmental degradation due to various factors such as deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and the emission of greenhouse gases. To combat these issues, sustainable farming practices should be adopted, and policies should be implemented to regulate agricultural activities.

The process of clearing forests for agricultural purposes, known as deforestation, is one of the major causes of environmental degradation. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's ecological balance by absorbing carbon dioxide, providing habitats for diverse species, and regulating water cycles. When these forests are destroyed to make way for agricultural land, it disrupts this delicate balance, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions, loss of biodiversity, and altered precipitation patterns.

Soil erosion is another significant environmental problem caused by agricultural practices. Intensive farming methods, such as monoculture and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, degrade the soil quality and increase its susceptibility to erosion. This results in the loss of fertile topsoil, which not only reduces crop productivity but also leads to sedimentation in water bodies, negatively affecting aquatic life and water quality.

Furthermore, agriculture is a significant source of water pollution due to the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers. These chemicals can contaminate both surface and groundwater, causing harm to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Moreover, the overuse of water in irrigating crops and the conversion of wetlands for agricultural purposes lead to the depletion of freshwater resources and loss of habitats for numerous species.

Lastly, the agriculture sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the release of methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from synthetic fertilizers. These gases are potent greenhouse gases that exacerbate climate change, leading to unpredictable weather patterns and an increased frequency of extreme weather events.

To minimize these detrimental effects, sustainable farming practices should be implemented. This includes the use of organic fertilizers, crop rotation, and agroforestry, which can help maintain soil health and reduce erosion. Furthermore, precision agriculture techniques such as GPS-guided farming and drip irrigation can optimize water usage and minimize chemical usage.

Additionally, governments should enact policies to regulate agricultural activities and promote sustainable practices. This may include implementing stricter regulations on deforestation, providing incentives for the adoption of eco-friendly farming methods, and investing in research and development for more sustainable agricultural technologies.

In conclusion, agriculture plays a significant role in contributing to environmental degradation through deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting sustainable farming practices and implementing policies that regulate agricultural activities, these issues can be mitigated to protect the environment for future generations.

Band Score: 8.5/9

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