Which of the following actions could contribute to the wearing away of soil?

Heavy rainfall is a significant factor that can lead to the erosion or wearing away of soil. When intense rainfall occurs, the force of the falling water can dislodge soil particles, especially if the ground is already saturated and cannot absorb any more water. This surface runoff can carry away topsoil, which is crucial for plant growth, leading to nutrient depletion in the remaining soil and altering the land’s landscape over time.

In contrast, planting trees typically helps bind the soil with their roots, reducing erosion. Constructing terraces can slow down water runoff and significantly reduce soil erosion on slopes. Applying fertilizers does not directly cause soil erosion but rather provides nutrients to enhance soil fertility.