What can a lack of structure in soil lead to an increase in?

A lack of structure in soil significantly impacts its ability to manage water and nutrients effectively. When soil structure is poor, it can lead to compaction and a reduced ability for soil to hold water, which in turn increases surface runoff. As water runs off rather than being absorbed, it can carry away topsoil and nutrients, contributing to erosion. Poor soil structure can also hinder the movement of air and water into the soil profile, further destabilizing the soil and leading to greater erosion problems. Therefore, the correct answer—indicating an increase in water runoff and erosion—is accurate as these phenomena are direct consequences of poor soil structure. In contrast, good soil structure usually promotes better water retention, higher fertility, and improved crop yield, all of which would be diminished in conditions of poor soil structure.