What environmental issue can arise from the characteristics of tropical rainforest soil?

The characteristics of tropical rainforest soil can lead to issues such as acidification, which occurs when the natural acidity of the soil increases, often due to the leaching of nutrients and minerals caused by heavy rainfall. Tropical rainforest soils, particularly Oxisols and Ultisols, are typically strongly weathered and low in nutrients, which can result in the loss of base cations that can lead to increased acidity over time.

Desertification primarily occurs in arid and semi-arid regions where land degradation, degradation of vegetation, and climatic factors are prominent, making it less relevant to tropical rainforest soils. Salinization is often associated with poor agricultural practices in irrigated areas, rather than directly linked to tropical rainforest environments. Soil erosion can be an issue; however, in tropical rainforests, the dense vegetation often helps protect against erosion unless the forest is cleared or disturbed.

The most fitting environmental issue related to tropical rainforest soils is acidification, owing to their inherent low nutrient profile and high rainfall, which fosters conditions conducive to this phenomenon.