How does leaching impact soil fertility?

Leaching refers to the process by which water-soluble substances, including nutrients, are washed out of the soil and into deeper layers or groundwater. This process can significantly impact soil fertility, primarily by reducing nutrient availability. When essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are leached away, they become less accessible to plants, leading to deficiencies that can affect plant growth and agricultural productivity.

The impact of leaching tends to vary depending on the intensity of rainfall, the type of soil, and various land management practices. If nutrients are continuously washed away without replenishment through natural sources or fertilizers, the soil's ability to support crops diminishes, ultimately affecting the entire ecosystem relying on that soil. Therefore, while leaching can play a role in nutrient cycling, its tendency to deplete the nutrient reservoir in the topsoil is one of the critical aspects regarding its negative impact on soil fertility.