IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Discuss the impact of industrial agriculture on soil health.
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1712610387
Topic: Discuss the impact of industrial agriculture on soil health.
Model Answer:
Title: The Detrimental Effects of Industrial Agriculture on Soil Health
The rapid expansion of industrial agriculture has significantly transformed global food production, meeting the growing demand for food and contributing to economic growth. However, this shift towards large-scale agricultural systems has had a profound impact on soil health. This essay will discuss the consequences of industrial agriculture on soil health, including the depletion of nutrients, loss of organic matter, and erosion due to monoculture practices.
One of the most significant impacts of industrial agriculture on soil health is the depletion of nutrients. The intensive use of synthetic fertilizers in industrial farming has led to an imbalance of essential nutrients in the soil. Excessive application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can result in nutrient imbalances that disrupt the natural ecosystems within the soil. Over time, this can reduce crop productivity and increase the likelihood of diseases and pests affecting crops (Parfitt et al., 2017).
Another negative aspect of industrial agriculture is the loss of organic matter in the soil. Organic matter, primarily composed of decomposing plant and animal residues, plays a critical role in maintaining soil health. It serves as a source of nutrients for plants, improves soil structure, and enhances water retention capacity. However, practices such as monoculture, where a single crop is grown repeatedly in the same area, reduce the diversity of plant species and hinder the recycling of organic matter. Consequently, the soil's organic matter content decreases, leading to reduced fertility and increased vulnerability to erosion (Paustian et al., 2016).
Erosion due to monoculture practices is a third significant impact of industrial agriculture on soil health. The continuous cultivation of the same crop in an area can lead to the removal of surface vegetation, making the soil more susceptible to wind and water erosion. As topsoil is lost, it takes with it valuable nutrients, organic matter, and microorganisms that are essential for maintaining soil health (Nearing et al., 2015). Over time, this can result in a decline in soil fertility and the loss of productive farmland.
In conclusion, industrial agriculture has had several detrimental effects on soil health, including depletion of nutrients, loss of organic matter, and erosion due to monoculture practices. To mitigate these impacts, it is essential for the agricultural sector to adopt more sustainable farming practices that prioritize soil health and long-term productivity.
Score:
Band 9
The essay presents a clear and well-structured argument discussing the impact of industrial agriculture on soil health. It effectively presents three main points with supporting evidence from reliable sources. The conclusion summarizes the key findings and suggests a way forward to address the issues raised. Overall, the essay demonstrates a high level of competence in terms of grammar, coherence, and cohesion, deserving a
Band 9 score according to IELTS scoring standards.
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