Which risk increases when pre-Columbian terrace farming in the Andes reduces soil organic matter during intensive maize cultivation?

💡 Explanation

When soil organic matter decreases from agricultural practices such as maize farming, soil structure degrades because the reduced binding of soil particles weakens aggregates, leading to reduced water infiltration. Therefore decreased infiltration efficiency results, rather than increased frost, beetle susceptibility or nutrient absorption effects better supported with high organic matter.

• Which mechanical effect most directly improved navigational accuracy when John Harrison's marine chronometer experienced fluctuating temperatures?
• Which consequence faced early Bronze Age smiths when rapidly cooling newly cast axes?
• Which consequence frequently arose when Roman torsion siege engines experienced rapid temperature changes during prolonged sieges?
• Which degradation mechanism was most prevalent in ancient bronze agricultural tools when exposed to wet soil conditions?
• Which structural effect arises when Gothic cathedral buttresses experience uneven settlement?
• Which outcome resulted from medieval Islamic scholars using quadratic equations to determine land surveying after floods?