How is loess beneficial? It grows healthy crops. It prevents wind erosion. It protects land from waves. It decreases the slope of riverbanks
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: It grows healthy crops.
Explanation (300 words):
Loess is a fine, silty sediment composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals, typically deposited by wind. Its particles are extremely small and loosely packed, making it highly porous and rich in minerals. Loess is commonly found in regions such as northern China, the Midwestern United States, and parts of Europe.
The most significant benefit of loess is that it supports the growth of healthy crops. This is due to several key characteristics:
- Fertility: Loess is naturally rich in minerals such as calcium carbonate and other nutrients essential for plant growth. This makes it ideal for agriculture without the need for excessive fertilization.
- Water Retention and Drainage: Loess has a porous structure, allowing it to retain water while also providing good drainage. This balance is crucial for healthy root development and preventing crop diseases caused by excess moisture.
- Ease of Cultivation: Because loess is soft and crumbly, it can be tilled easily, which reduces the labor required for farming and allows roots to penetrate easily.
For these reasons, many major agricultural regions in the world are located on loess plains. For example, the Loess Plateau in China and the Great Plains in the United States are renowned for their fertile soils, much of which is loess-based.
While loess does play a role in the environment, it does not primarily prevent wind erosion, protect land from waves, or change the slope of riverbanks. In fact, loess is quite vulnerable to erosion if not managed properly, particularly in areas lacking vegetation. When loess is exposed to wind or water without cover, it can easily be blown or washed away, which is a major environmental concern.
Therefore, the correct and most beneficial aspect of loess is its role in growing healthy crops.