Which long-term consequence results from the construction of inadequately designed agricultural terraces on steep slopes?

💡 Explanation

When terraces are poorly designed, accelerated erosion occurs because destabilized soil bypasses intended retention mechanisms, removing topsoil during intense rainfall, leading to reduced agricultural productivity. Therefore, topsoil depletion is the correct answer, rather than decreased sunlight, waterlogging, or nutrient leaching, which depend on other factors like shading, excessive water, or significant chemical changes.

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