What issue for Chesapeake planters was that the effect of tobacco farming on soil led to?

The effect of tobacco farming on soil led to significant depletion of nutrients, resulting in diminishing returns for Chesapeake planters. As the soil became less fertile, farmers were forced to clear new land for cultivation, leading to increased deforestation and land scarcity. This cycle contributed to economic instability and reliance on slave labor, as planters sought to maximize productivity on increasingly marginal lands. Ultimately, the environmental degradation from tobacco farming posed long-term challenges for sustainable agriculture in the region.