Which of the following is a potential long-term impact of acid rain on soil health?

Acid rain can have a significant long-term impact on soil health, primarily leading to soil degradation and a loss of vitality. This phenomenon occurs due to the lower pH levels associated with acid rain, which can leach essential nutrients and minerals from the soil, making them less available to plants. Over time, this depletion of nutrients can result in a decline in soil fertility, impacting plant growth and ecosystem health.

Additionally, the acidic conditions can harm soil-dwelling organisms, including beneficial microorganisms that play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. This disruption can further impair the soil's ability to support healthy plant life, contributing to long-term degradation.

In contrast, other options suggest improvements or positive changes that are not typically associated with the effects of acid rain on soil. For example, an increase in nutrient availability or an improvement of soil pH contradicts the well-documented negative impacts of acid rain. The boost in microorganism activity would not be a consequence of acid rain; rather, it typically leads to a decrease due to unfavorable soil conditions. Thus, recognizing the detrimental effects of acid rain on soil health is vital for understanding its broader environmental impact.