What is the average gradient (elevation change divided by horizontal distance, both expressed in ft.) along a straight line from A to B?

Afarmer who is grown corn for the past five years notices in the sixth year that the his harvest is significantly smaller, despite an increase in labor on the farm. the following year, the harvest continue to decline. which of the following explanations most plausibly accounts for the reduction in corn yield? a) soil degradation b) desalinization c) better irrigationd) terracing