Soil health directly affects:

Crop productivity
Water quality
Farmer livelihoods
All of the above

The correct answer is D. Soil health directly affects crop productivity, water quality, and farmer livelihoods.

  • Crop productivity: Healthy soil is essential for growing healthy crops. Soil provides plants with the nutrients they need to grow, as well as water and air. When soil is healthy, it can hold more water, which helps plants during droughts. Healthy soil also contains beneficial microbes that help plants fight off pests and diseases.
  • Water quality: Soil helps to filter water and prevent pollution. When soil is healthy, it can absorb and filter rainwater, preventing runoff and erosion. Healthy soil also helps to remove pollutants from water, such as pesticides and fertilizers.
  • Farmer livelihoods: Soil is a valuable resource for farmers. Healthy soil can produce more crops, which can lead to higher profits for farmers. Healthy soil can also reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers, which can save farmers money.

In conclusion, soil health is essential for a variety of reasons. It directly affects crop productivity, water quality, and farmer livelihoods. By protecting soil health, we can ensure a sustainable future for agriculture.