What effect does human harvesting have on an ecosystem?

Human harvesting can have a significant impact on an ecosystem by permanently removing nutrients and possibly causing leaching. When natural resources, such as timber, crops, or fisheries, are harvested, not only are the organisms or plants removed, but the nutrients that they contain are also taken from the ecosystem. This removal disrupts the nutrient balance and can lead to depletion of essential soil nutrients over time.

Additionally, the loss of vegetation due to harvesting can expose the soil to erosion and runoff, which increases the likelihood of nutrients being washed away, a process known as leaching. This can degrade soil quality, reduce fertility, and ultimately lead to a less productive ecosystem. Thus, the response of a system to human harvesting involves nutrient loss and environmental degradation, underlining the critical importance of sustainable practices in resource management.