Final answer:
Cropping, especially intensive or monoculture cropping, leads to significant soil degradation in peatlands. It depletes the soil of essential nutrients and causes physical disturbances that lead to soil erosion. Without intervention, these lands can eventually become barren.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cropping, particularly intensive or monoculture cropping, can significantly impact soil degradation in peatlands. Peatlands, characterized by their organic, nutrient-rich soils, can deteriorate as a result of repeated cropping. This is because cropping, especially without proper rotation, can deplete the soil of essential nutrients and decrease its overall fertility over time.
Moreover, the physical disturbances caused by plowing and harvesting can also result in soil erosion. Unless effective conservation measures are put into place, such as crop rotation and reduced tillage, the peatland's soil structure can become significantly damaged resulting in a loss of productivity and biodiversity in the area. With time, and without intervention, these lands can become barren and inhospitable to plant growth.
Learn more about soil degradation