Monoculture refers to the agricultural practice of growing a single crop species over a large area for consecutive seasons. This practice can significantly impact soil health by depleting specific nutrients, leading to reduced soil fertility over time. Without crop diversity, the soil may become more susceptible to pests and diseases, as a lack of varied root systems can diminish the biological activity essential for nutrient cycling. Monoculture also increases reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can further degrade soil quality and overall ecosystem health, making sustainability challenging.