Which term refers to the effects of agricultural practices on ecosystems?

The term that accurately describes the effects of agricultural practices on ecosystems is "environmental impact." This term encompasses the broad range of consequences that farming activities can have on local and global ecosystems. These impacts can include changes to soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and habitat loss, as well as changes in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding environmental impact is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural practices that minimize negative effects while promoting ecological balance.

Ecosystem services refer to the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, such as pollination, water purification, and nutrient cycling, and while they are influenced by agricultural practices, they do not specifically address the effects of these practices. Soil quality pertains to the health and fertility of soil, a component of the ecosystem but not a direct reference to the broader impacts of agricultural methods. Crop efficiency relates to how well crops perform under given conditions but does not inherently cover the broader ecological consequences of agricultural practices.