Reena visited her native place land after 20 years. She was shocked to see the earlier lush green land now barren and desert-like. Her parents informed her that this was caused by large-scale deforestation. Could this be true? Explain how.

Yes. Trees prevent soil erosion, hence cutting of trees results in more soil erosion. Removal of the top layer of the soil exposes the lower, hard and rocky layers. This soil has less humus and is less fertile. Gradually the fertile land gets converted into deserts.