If forests decrease what may happen to soil?

Soil erosion may increase

Forests help protect soil in several ways. Tree roots hold soil particles together, while fallen leaves and plant material cover the ground and reduce the force of rain and wind. When forests are cleared, this protection becomes weaker. Heavy rain can wash away the fertile topsoil, and wind can carry loose soil away. This process is called soil erosion. The loss of trees can therefore reduce soil fertility, increase runoff, and make farming more difficult in the long term.

Option A is correct because decreasing forest cover can increase soil erosion. Option B is not supported because soil does not automatically increase. Option C is scientifically incorrect: soil does not simply turn into protective stone. Option D is also wrong because soil remains essential for agriculture. The connection is clear: fewer roots and less ground cover mean less protection, so erosion may rise.

This is a Class 10 Geography question. Chapter: Resources and Development. Topic: resource interdependence.