Correct Answer: Leaching

Solution : The correct answer is Leaching .

Leaching is the downward movement of water-soluble inorganic nutrients through the soil, and it can result in the precipitation of these nutrients as unavailable salts in lower soil horizons. Leaching can have both positive and negative effects on soil fertility. On the positive side, it helps in the transport of nutrients to plant roots. However, excessive leaching can lead to the loss of essential nutrients from the root zone and the accumulation of undesirable salts in the subsoil, making them unavailable for plant uptake.