The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Forests play a critical role in maintaining soil health and stability. The root systems of trees bind soil particles together, preventing displacement, while the shedding of leaves and organic matter contributes to soil fertility through humus formation.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Deforestation does not prevent soil erosion; rather, it accelerates it. The roots of trees and plants bind the soil, protecting the topsoil from being washed away by water or blown away by wind. When trees are removed, the soil becomes loose and highly susceptible to erosion.
- Statement 2 is Correct. As deforestation leads to severe soil erosion, the fertile top layer of soil is removed over time. This process exposes the lower, hard, and rocky layers of the soil profile. This degradation can eventually lead to desertification, where the land becomes less fertile and resembles a desert.
- Statement 3 is Correct. Humus is the organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves, twigs, and other plant material. Forests provide a continuous supply of this organic matter. Deforestation removes the source of organic material, leading to a significant decrease in the humus content, which in turn reduces the soil's fertility and water-holding capacity.
Key Takeaway
Deforestation disrupts the ecological balance of soil by removing the vegetative cover that prevents erosion and supplies organic matter, leading to the loss of topsoil, reduced humus content, and the exposure of rocky substrates.