The phrase "become barren" refers to the process of land or fields losing their fertility and productivity. There are other terms that can be used to describe this same idea, such as "sterilized," "infertile," "unproductive," "depleted," "arid," "desolate," "barren," and "lifeless." Each of these terms can be used interchangeably based on the context of the situation or the preferences of the author. They all convey the same meaning of a serious decline in the ability of the land or fields to produce crops or vegetation. Whether used in scientific or descriptive contexts, these synonyms help communicate the idea of a land that has lost its capacity for productivity and growth.