Question Statement:
In the passage: 'Chemical fertilizers supply immediate nutrients. **Nevertheless, continuous chemical over-application degrades soil microbial health.** Therefore, integrated nutrient management must be adopted.' The boldface statement serves to:
Options:
- (A) Introduce a critical consideration that qualifies the benefits of chemical fertilizers.
- (B) State the ultimate conclusion of the author.
- (C) Defend chemical fertilizers against critics.
- (D) Dismiss integrated nutrient management.