Which of the following contributes to the risk of disease in crops?

Monoculture practices significantly contribute to the risk of disease in crops. When a single crop species is planted over a wide area for several consecutive seasons, it creates an environment that allows pests and diseases specific to that crop to thrive. This lack of genetic diversity enables pathogens to easily spread and establish themselves, potentially leading to devastating crop losses. In contrast, practices like crop rotation and increased biodiversity create more varied ecosystems that can disrupt the life cycles of pests and diseases, thus helping to mitigate the risk. Similarly, converting fields to forage can enhance soil health and support a diverse plant community, further reducing disease pressure. Hence, monoculture is particularly hazardous, as it inherently lacks these benefits, making crops more vulnerable to outbreaks.