Question

Despite having a large amount of biodiversity, why is the Amazon Rainforest facing the risk of desertification?

Answer 1

The occurrence of deforestation in certain regions of Amazon forest has led to reduction in soil enrichment. Rain falls directly onto the ground of deforestation zones and causes soil erosion. This also causes large areas to wash away (leaching) making the soil less fertile. In addition, recycling of essential nutrients, like nitrogen, needed by plants is hindered by this. Hence, desertification takes place in these regions and spreads in the neighboring regions as well. Although, Amazon Rainforest is enriched by vegetal covering consisting of leaves and branches that fall from trees, the natural soil of Amazon Rainforest is not too fertile.