Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 MARK]

Question.1. What do you understand by a ‘Resource’? Give examples.
Answer. Everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy our needs, is called a resource. It should be technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable.

Only then, it can be termed as a ‘Resource’. Examples are: minerals, forests, fossil fuels etc..

Question.2. In what broad category do the soils of Maharashtra fall?
Answer. Black soil region also known as regur soils.

Question.3. Name the relief feature occupying the largest area, along with its percentage share in the total area.
Answer. Plains occupy the largest area having 43% share in the total area.

Question.4. What do you understand by ‘sustainable economic development’?
Answer. Sustainable economic development means that ‘development should take place without damaging the environment and development in the present should not compromise with the needs of future generation.’

Question.5. What are international resources?
Answer. International resources are the resources which belong to all human race and cannot be used by any country without an agreement with international institutions.

Question.6. To what distance do the territorial waters of India extend?
Answer. The territorial waters of India extend upto 12 nautical miles (22.2 km) from the coast.

Question.7. Where was the first International Earth Summit held?
Answer. The first International Earth Summit was held at Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil.

Question.8. When was Rio de Janeiro Summit held?
Answer. Rio de Janeiro was held in 1992.

Question.9. What is the full form of UNCED?
Answer. United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

Question.10. What is resource planning?
Answer. Judicious use of resources is known as resource planning.

Question.11. What is the area brought under cultivation in a year called?
Answer. Net sown area.

Question.12. Name the most widespread relief feature of India.
Answer. Plains are the most widespread relief feature of India. They form 43 per cent of the land area.

Question.13. What factor is responsible for maximum land degradation?
Answer. Human activities.

Question.14. According to the National Forest Policy, what should be the percentage of forest area in a country?
Answer. 33%

Question.15. What is bangar?
Answer. Old alluvial soil is called bangar.

Question.16. What term is used to identify the old and new alluvial respectively?
Answer. Old alluvial is called bangar and new alluvial is called khadar.

Question.17. What soil is the best for cotton cultivation?
Answer. Black soil

Question.18. What gives red and yellow colour to red and yellow soil?
Answer. Red and yellow soil develops a reddish colour due to diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks. It looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form.

Question.19. What is the name of the soil formed by intense leaching?
Answer. Laterite soil

Question.20. What type of soil is suitable for crops like cashewnuts?
Answer. Laterite soil with adequate doses of manures and fertilizers is suitable for crops like cashewnuts.

Question.21. Where does the laterite soil develop?
Answer. Laterite soil develops in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall.

Question.22. What type of soil develops due to high temperature and evaporation?
Answer. Arid Soil

Question.23. Name the natural forces which lead to soil erosion.
Answer. The natural forces which lead to soil erosion are wind, glacier and water.

Question.24. What are gullies?
Answer. The running water cuts through clayey soils and makes deep channels, called gullies.

Question.25. What are badlands?
Answer. Due to the formation of gullies, the land becomes unfit for cultivation and is known as badland.

Question.26. What is a ravine?
Answer. A ravine is a deep narrow valley on earth’s surface formed by running water.

Question.27. What is sheet erosion?
Answer. Sometimes water flows as a sheet over large area down the slope. In such cases the top soil washes away. It is called sheet erosion.

Question.28. What is responsible for sheet erosion?
Answer. Water

Question.29. What method is used to break up the force of wind?
Answer. Strip Cropping

Question.30. Which is a special feature of the sustainable development?
Answer. Development should take place without damaging the environment.

Short Answer Type Questions [3 MARKS]

Question.1. “Resources are a function of human activities.” Justify this statement.
Answer. Mere presence of resources, as free gifts of nature, does not make them resources. Human beings are essential components of resources because they transform material available in our environment into resources. The utility of resources depends on the stage of cultural development of man and the tools and technology used by him.

Question.2. Write the classification of resources on four different bases.
Answer. Resources can be classified in the following four ways:
(a) On the basis of Origin:

• Biotic
• Abiotic

(b) On the basis of exhaustibility:

• Renewable
• Non-renewable

(c) On the basis of ownership:

• Individual (Personal)
• Community
• National
• International

(d) On the basis of status and development:

• Potential
• Developed
• Reserve
• Stock

Question.3. Explain the classification of resources on the basis of origin and give one example of each.
Answer. On the basis of origin, resources can be classified as Biotic and Abiotic.

1. Biotic Resources are obtained from the biosphere. They have life or are living resources, e.g., human beings, fisheries, forests, etc.
2. Abiotic Resources include all non-living things, e.g., rocks and minerals.

Question.4. Classify the resources on the basis of exhaustibility and give two examples of each.
Answer. On the basis of exhaustibility, resources can be classified as: Renewable and Non-renewable.

1. Renewable Resources: The resources which can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical and mechanical processes are known as renewable or replenishable resources, e.g., water, wildlife, forests, solar energy, wind energy etc.
2. Non-renewable Resources: The resources which once get exhausted, cannot be remade. They take a long geological period of time, i.e., millions of years in their formation, e.g., minerals, fossil fuels etc.

Question.5. Write two types of renewable resources and give one example of each type.
Answer. Two types of renewable resources are as follows:

1. Continuous or Flow Resources, e.g., wind and water resources.
2. Biological Resources, e.g., natural vegetation (forests) and wildlife.

Question.6. Write two characteristics of non-renewable resources and write their two broad categories with examples.
Answer. Two characteristics of non-renewable resources:

1. They cannot be recycled and get exhausted with their use.
2. They take millions of years in their formation.

Two broad categories of non-renewable resources:

1. Recyclable resources, e.g., metals.
2. Non-recyclable resources, e.g., fossil fuels.

Question.7. Give any two examples of non-renewable resources.
Answer. Non-renewable resources are resources which once get exhausted, cannot be remade. They take a long geological period of time, i.e., millions of years, in their formation, e.g., minerals, fossil fuels, etc.

Question.8. Explain four types of resources based on ownership and give one example of each type.
Answer. On the basis of ownership, there are four types of resources:

1. Individual Resources: Resources, which are owned privately by individuals, e.g., farmers own pieces of land or houses. Plantation, pasture lands, water in wells are some resources owned by individuals.
2. Community Owned Resources: These resources are accessible to all the members of the
   community, e.g., village ponds, public parks, playgrounds in urban areas are accessible to all the residents of that area.
3. National Resources: All the resources within the political boundary of a nation including the territorial water (oceanic area upto 12 nautical miles from the coast) extending into the ocean and resources therein belong to the nation, e.g., all minerals, forests, wildlife, water resources, land etc.
4. International Resources: There are international institutions which own and regulate some resources, e.g., The oceanic resources beyond 200 km of the Exclusive Economic Zone belong to the open ocean and no individual country can utilise these without the concurrence of international institutions.

Question.9. Name the categories under which natural resources can be grouped on the basis of state of development.
Answer.

1. Potential Resources
2. Developed Resources
3. Stock
4. Reserves.

Question.10. How are natural resources important for man? Give five points.
Answer. Importance of resources for man:

1. Resources are vital for human survival.
2. They are important for maintaining the quality of life as man has been using the biophysical environment to satisfy his needs.
3. Natural resources form the backbone of the economy of a nation.
4. These are the bases for economic strength and prosperity of the people.
5. They provide material, energy and favourable conditions for development.

Question.11. List the problems which resulted due to indiscriminate use of resources by man.
Answer.

1. It has resulted in depletion of many resources.
2. Accumulation of resources in few hands which, in turn, divided the society in two segments, i.e., haves and have-nots or rich and poor.
3. It has led to the global ecological crisis, e.g., global warming, ozone layer depletion, environmental pollution, land degradation, etc.

Question.12. “Resource planning is essential for sustainable existence.” Discuss.
Answer. Sustainable existence is a component of sustainable development which aims at development without damaging the environment and at the same time conserving for future generation.

Therefore, resource planning is necessary for judicious, rational and equitable distribution and proper utilisation of resources. It has become essential for a sustained quality of life and global peace.

Question.13. Why is ‘Resource Planning’ necessary? Give reasons.
Answer. Planning is necessary for proper and judicious utilisation of resources.
Reasons for resource planning:

1. Resource availability is not the same in all parts of the country.
2. Resources, especially non-renewable resources, need extra care as they cannot be renewed.
3. There is acute shortage or deficiency of some resources.
4. Resource planning helps in proper utilisation of resources by reducing wastage. It takes care of future needs and may sustain the environment.

Question.14. “India has enormous diversity in the availability of resources.” Name four varied regions to justify this statement.
Answer. There are regions which are rich or self-sufficient in certain types of resources and there are areas that are deficient or have acute shortage of some vital resources.

For example:

• The states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal deposits.
• Arunachal Pradesh has abundance of water resources but lacks in infrastructural development.
• Rajasthan is very well endowed with solar and wind energy but lacks in water resources.
• The cold desert area of Ladakh has very rich cultural heritage. It is deficient in water, infrastructure and some vital minerals.
• Such cases call for balanced resource planning at different levels.

Question.15. Explain three stages of ‘resource planning.’
Answer. Three stages of resource planning:

1. Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of the country. This involves surveying, mapping and the qualitative and quantitative estimation and measurement of the resources.
2. Evolving a planning structure endowed with appropriate technology, skill and institutional set up for implementing resource development plan
3. Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plan.

Question.16. Write four factors which determine resource development in a region.
Answer. Four factors involved in the development of resources are:

1. Availability of resources
2. Level of technology
3. Quality of human resources
4. Historical experiences of the people

Question.17. What do you understand by ‘conservation of resources’? Why is it necessary to conserve our resources? Give three reasons.
Answer. Conservation is judicious and planned use of natural resources for sustainable benefit to the present generation. It also maintains a potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.

Three reasons for conservation:

1. Our resources are limited in nature, therefore they have to be frugally used.
2. Many of the resources are non-renewable in nature, therefore extra care has to be taken.
3. Their conservation is necessary for our own sustenance and for the ongoing economic developmental processes.

Question.18. Explain the concept of resource conservation as voiced by Gandhiji.
OR
Whom did Gandhiji make responsible for the depletion of resources at the global level?
Answer. Gandhiji voiced his concern about resource conservation in these Words: “There is enough far everybody’s need and not for anybody’s greed.” He placed the greedy and selfish individuals as the root cause for resource depletion at the global level. He was against ‘mass production’ and wanted to replace it with ‘production by the masses’.

Indiscriminate use of resources by human beings has led to the depletion of resources for satisfying the greed of few individuals.

Irrational consumption and over-utilization of resources leads to socio-economic and environmental problems.

Question.19. Write four institutional efforts made at global level for ‘resource conservation’.
Answer.

1. At the international level, the Club of Rome advocated resource conservation for the first time in a more systematic way in 1968.
2. In 1974, the Gandhian Philosophy was presented once again by Schumacher in his book “Small is Beautiful”.
3. Brundtland Commission Report in 1987, introduced the concept of ‘sustainable development’ and advocated it as a means for resource conservation. This was subsequently published in a book entitled “Our Common Future”.
4. In June 1992, the first ‘International Earth Summit’ was held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, in which 100 heads of States met for addressing urgent problems of environmental protection and socio-economic development at the global level.

Question.20. Write the major features of Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, 1992.
Answer.

1. In 1992,100 heads of States met in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, for the first ‘International Earth Summit’.
2. The summit was convened for addressing urgent problems of environmental protection and socio-economic development at global level.
3. The assembled leaders signed the Declaration on Global Climatic Change and the Biological Diversity.
4. The Rio convention endorsed the global Forest Principles and adopted ‘Agenda 21’ for achieving sustainable development in the 21st century. It is an agenda to combat environmental damage, poverty and diseases through global co-operation on common interests, mutual needs and shared responsibilities.

Question.21. Why is land as a resource important for us? Write four points.
Answer.

1. 95% of our basic needs of food, clothing and shelter are derived from land.
2. We live on land and use it in different ways, e.g. for agriculture, for transport and communication systems, etc.
3. We perform our economic activities on land.
4. It supports natural vegetation, wildlife and human life.

Question.22. Why land-use should be done in a planned manner? Write two points.
Answer.

1. Land is a fixed asset.
2. As land is used for varied purposes and activities and for human sustenance, therefore it is important to use the available land for various purposes with careful planning.

Question.23. Look at the picture and name three major relief features of India and their respective share in the total area.Answer. Three major relief features:

1. Plains — 43%
2. Mountains — 30%
3. Plateaus — 27%

Question.24. Name three main relief features of India and write the importance of each.
Answer. Relief Features and their Importance /Uses
1. Plains

(i) provide facilities for agriculture.
(ii) provide facilities for industrial development.
(iii) because of their level, nature and ease of construction, plains support huge population of the country.

2. Mountains

(i) ensure perennial flow of some rivers and many rivers rise from them.
(ii) provide facilities for tourism.
(iii)are important from ecological point of view, e.g. have lot of forest wealth and wildlife.

3. Plateaus

(i) possess rich reserves of minerals.
(ii) contain lot of fossil fuels, especially coal.
(iii) possess rich forest cover.

Question.25. Distinguish between each of the following:
(a) Current fallow and other than current fallow land
Answer. Current fallow land: Land left without cultivation for one or less than one agricultural year.
Other than current fallow land: Land left uncultivated for the past one to five agricultural years.

(b) Waste-land and culturable waste-land
Answer. Waste land: It includes rocky, arid and desert areas which are lying waste at the moment.
Culturable waste land: Arable land which is left uncultivated for more than five agricultural years.

(c) Net sown area and gross cropped area.
Answer. Net Sown Area: It is the total area under cultivation.
Gross Cropped Area: Area sown more than once in an agricultural year plus net sown area.

Question.26. What do you understand by ‘reported area’? What is the reported area of India and why? Give two major reasons.
Answer. The percentage of total area for which land-use statistics (data) are available, is termed as ‘reported area’. India’s reported area is 93%.

Reasons:

1. Because the land-use reporting for most of the north-eastern states, except Assam, has not been done.
2. Some areas of Jammu and Kashmir occupied by Pakistan and China have not been
   surveyed.

Question.27. Write three physical and three human factors which determine the use of land.
Answer.

Physical Factors:

1. Topography
2. Climate
3. Soil types

Human Factors:

1. Population density
2. Technological capability
3. Culture and traditions

Question.28. Why are the other than current fallow-lands cultivated once or twice in about two to three years? Give two reasons.
Answer. Two reasons are:

1. These lands may be of poor quality.
2. The cost of cultivation of such lands is very high.

Question.29. “The pattern of net sown area varies greatly from one state to another.”
OR
Name two states having high net sown area and two states having low net sown area. Give two reasons for each.
Answer. Punjab and Haryana are two states, which have more than 80% of their total area as N.S.A. (Net Sown Area) because:

1. They are agriculturally rich States because of favourable climatic conditions for the growth of crops and levelled fertile nature of land.
2. Irrigation facilities are well-developed here.

States with low N.S.A. i.e., less than 10% are Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram because:

1. The nature of land is hilly and forested, therefore availability of arable land is less.
2. Economic backwardness and climatic conditions also do not encourage large scale agricultural activities.

Question.30. According to National Forest Policy, how much of the country’s area should be under forest cover and why? Give two considerations for this norm. Have we been able to meet this norm?
Answer. According to National Forest Policy, 33% of the country’s total area should be under forest cover.

Reasons:

1. It is considered essential for the maintenance of ecological balance.
2. The livelihood of millions of people who live on the fringe of these forests depends on these forests.

We have 22.57% area under forests which is far lower than the desired 33% of geographical area, as outlined by National Forest Policy.

Question.31. Write six human activities which have caused land degradation.
Answer.

1. Deforestation
2. Overgrazing
3. Mining activities — mining sites are abandoned after excavation leaving deep scars and traces of over-burdening.
4. Mineral processing produces large quantities of dust in the atmosphere, which on settling down on land, retards the process of infiltration of water into the soil.
5. Over-irrigation leads to waterlogging which increases salinity and alkalinity in the soil.
6. Industrial effluents — such wastes cause land and water pollution.

Question.32. Distinguish between biotic and abiotic resources by stating four points.
Answer. Difference between biotic and abiotic resources

Biotic resources	Abiotic resources
(i) The resources which are obtained from biosphere are biotic resources.	(i) All those things which are composed of non­living things are called abitoic resources.
(ii) They have life.	(ii) They do not have life.
(iii) These include flora and fauna, fisheries, livestock, human beings, etc.	(iii) These incoude rocks, metals, land, air, mountains, rivers, etc.
(iv) Minerals such as coal and petroleum are included in this category because they were formed from decayed organic matter.	(iv) Minerals such as gold, iron, copper, silver, etc. come in this category.

Question.33. Name three states each in which land degradation is caused due to

1. over-irrigation
2. over-grazing
3. deforestation due to mining activities

Answer.

1. Three states where over-irrigation has resulted in land degradation are Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh.
2. Due to over-grazing. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
3. Deforestation due to mining activities has led to land degradation in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh.

Question.34. What is soil? How is it an important resource for us?
Answer. Soil is the uppermost layer of the earth’s crust which is loose, fragmented and fine. It is rich in both organic (humus) and inorganic materials and supports plant growth. Soil is a living system. It takes millions of years to form soil upto a few cm in depth. It is an important resource because:

1. It is the medium of plant growth.
2. It supports different types of living organisms on earth.

Question.35. Write the main factors responsible for soil formation.
Answer. Soil is a living system. It takes millions of years to form soil up to a few centimeters in depth. Factors responsible for soil formation are:

1. Parent rock or bed rock on which the soils are formed, disintegrate and decompose under the process of weathering and erosion.
2. Climate: It determines the rate of weathering.
3. Relief, vegetation, other forms of life and time are other important factors in the formation of soils.
4. Various forces of nature such as change in temperature, actions of running water, wind and glaciers, activities of decomposers etc. also contribute to the formation of soil.
5. Chemical and organic changes which take place in soil, also play a role in its formation.

Question.36. Write four factors which are responsible for varied types of soils in India.
Answer.
Factors:

1. Varied relief features
2. Varied land forms
3. Varied climatic realms
4. Varied vegetation types.

Question.37. On what basis are soils classified into different types?
Answer. Basis of classification of soils:

1. Colour
2. Thickness
3. Texture
4. Age
5. Chemical and physical properties
6. Factors responsible for soil formation.

Question.38. Name six types of soils found in India. Which is the most widely spread soil? Name one major region where it is found.
Answer.

1. Alluvial soil
2. Red and yellow soil
3. Black soil
4. Laterite soil
5. Arid soil
6. Forest and mountainous soils

Alluvial soil is the most widely spread soil.
The entire northern plains are made of alluvial soil.

Question.39. Write three regional/local names of areas where you find coarse alluvial soil and name one deltaic area which has fine alluvial soil.
Answer. Coarse alluvial soil is more common in piedmont plains such as Duars, Chos and Terai.
Fine alluvial soil is found in the eastern coastal plains in the deltas of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri rivers.

Question.40. Classify alluvial soils on the basis of their age. Write two characteristics of each.
Answer. According to their age, alluvial soils are of two types: Bangar and Khadar.
Bangar

(i) It is old alluvial soil.
(ii) It has higher concentration of ‘kankar’ nodules.
(iii) It is coarser and is found in the old river terraces.

Khadar

(i) It is new alluvial soil.
(ii) It has more fine particles.
(iii) It is more fertile than ‘Bangar’ and is found in flood plains.

Question.41. Write the main characteristics of alluvial soils.
Answer.

1. Alluvial soils as a whole are very fertile. They consist of various proportions of sand, silt and clay.
2. They contain adequate proportion of potash, lime and phosphoric acid. They are ideal for the growth of sugarcane, paddy, wheat and other cereal and pulse crops.
3. Due to its high fertility, regions of alluvial soils are intensively cultivated and are densely populated.
4. Soils in the drier areas are more alkaline and can be productive after proper treatment and irrigation.

Question.42. Give the distribution of alluvial soils in brief.
Answer. The entire northern plains are made up of alluvial soils.

1. These have been deposited by three important Himalayan river systems
2. the Indus. Ganga and Brahmaputra.
3. These soils also extend into Rajasthan and Gujarat through a narrow corridor.
4. These are also found in the eastern coastal plains in the deltas of the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri rivers.

Question.43. Write two factors which are responsible for the formation of black soils. Name four States where they are found. Name the crop mainly grown in it.
Answer. Two factors are:

1. The climatic conditions
2. The parent rock material.

Four states in which black soils are found are: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Black soil is ideal for growing cotton and is also called black cotton soil.

Question.44. Write six characteristics of regur soils (black soils).
Answer.

1. They are made up of extremely fine, i.e. clayey material.
2. They have capacity to hold moisture that makes them ideal for growing cotton.
3. They are rich in soil nutrients such as calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime.
4. These soils are generally poor in phosphoric contents.
5. They develop deep cracks during dry hot weather, which helps in the proper aeration of soil.
6. These soils are sticky when wet and difficult to work unless tilled immediately after the first shower.

Question.45. Give the distribution of black/regur Soil.
Answer. This soil is typical of the Deccan Trap region.

1. It is spread over north west Deccan plateau and is made up of lava flows.
2. This soil covers the plateaus of Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh and extends along the Godavari and Krishna Valleys.

Question.46. Write the distribution of red and yellow soils. Give reasons for their colour.
OR
How does red soil develop and in which part of India? What makes it look red and yellow?
Answer. In Eastern and Southern parts of Deccan plateau, red soils have developed on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall. They are also found in parts of Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Southern parts of the middle Ganga Plains and along the piedmont zone of Western Ghats. These soils develop a reddish colour due to diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks. It looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form.

Question.47. Write six states which have laterite soils and name the important crops which grow well in these soils.
Answer. Six states in which laterite soils are found: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and the hilly areas of Orissa and Assam.

Crops which grow well in these soils are: tea, coffee and cashew-nuts.

Question.48. Write the main characteristics of arid soils.
Answer.

1. Arid soils range from red to brown in colour.
2. They have a sandy texture.
3. They are saline in nature. In areas where salt content in high, common salt is obtained by evaporation.
4. Arid soil lacks humus and is moisture deficient.
5. The lower horizons of the soil have kankars because of high calcium content which restrict infiltration of water.
6. Proper irrigation helps make these soils cultivable, e.g., Western Rajasthan.

Question.49. Write the main features of forest soils. What are the different types of soils found in the hilly forested areas?
Answer. Forest soils are mainly found in the hilly and mountainous areas where sufficient rain forests are available. The soil texture varies according to the mountain environment where they are formed.

At least four types of soils can be seen in the hilly forested areas:

1. They are loamy and silty in valley sides.
2. They are coarse grained in upper slopes.
3. They are highly denuded, acidic with low humus content in the snow covered areas.
4. They are very fine and fertile in lower parts of the valley and on river terraces.

Question.50. What is soil erosion? Write the main causes of soil erosion.
Answer. The denudation of the soil cover and subsequent washing down is described as soil erosion. The process of soil formation and erosion goes on simultaneously and generally there is a balance between the two. This balance is sometimes disturbed, leading to soil erosion. The main activities like deforestation, over-grazing, construction and mining and also natural agents like wind, running water and glacier are the main causes of soil erosion.

Question.51. Explain three types of soil erosion mostly observed in India. Mention human activities that are responsible for soil erosion.
Answer.

1. Gully erosion: The running water cuts through the clayey soils and makes deep channels, called gullies. They make the land unfit for cultivation. Such lands are called ‘Badlands’.
2. Sheet erosion: Sometimes water flows as a sheet over large areas down a slope. In this case top layer of the soil is washed away.
3. Wind erosion: Wind blows off loose and dry soil from flat and sloping land causing erosion.

Question.52. Write the land area degraded by gully erosion and name five states where gully erosion is very pronounced.
Answer. Approximately 40 lakh hectares of land area has degraded due to gully erosion.
Five states where gully erosion is quite pronounced are: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Question.53. Write four methods of soil conservation.
Answer. Methods of soil conservation:

1. Contour ploughing: By ploughing along the contour lines, water will not run down the slopes.
2. Terrace cultivation: Steps can be cut on the slopes to make terraces. This restricts erosion.
3. Strip cropping: Large fields can be divided into strips. Strips of grass are left to grow between the crops. This breaks the force of the wind.
4. Planting of shelter belts: The planting of trees in rows to create shelter also breaks the force of the wind and restricts soil erosion.
5. Shelter belts have helped in the stabilisation of sand dunes and deserts.

Long Answer Type Questions [5 MARKS]

Question.1. Write four characteristics of laterite soils. Why are they called laterite?
Answer.

1. They are highly leached soils.
2. They develop in areas of heavy rainfall and high temperature.
3. They have low ‘humus’ content, because most of the micro-organisms particularly decomposers like bacteria get destroyed due to high temperature.
4. These soils can be cultivated with adequate doses of manure and fertilisers.
5. The word laterite has been derived from the Latin word ‘late/ which means brick. Since their colour is red and resembles brick colour, these soils are called laterite soils.

Question.2. What is regur soil? Write its two features. Mention any two regions where regur soil is found.
Answer. Regur soil is soil which is made up of extremely fine, i.e., clayey material.
Features:

1. They have capacity to hold moisture that makes them ideal for growing cotton.
2. They are rich in soil nutrients such as calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime.
3. These soils are generally poor in phosphoric contents.
4. They develop deep cracks during dry hot weather, which helps in the proper aeration of soil.
5. These soils are sticky when wet and difficult to work unless tilled immediately after the first shower.

Regions where regur soil is found:

1. This soil is typical of the Deccan Trap region.
2. It is spread over north west Deccan plateau and is made up of lava flows.
3. This soil covers the plateaus of Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and extends along the Godavari and Krishna Valleys.

Question.3. “The future generation may not have sufficient resources as compared to the present generation”. Justify the statement by giving suitable examples.
OR
Why is the issue of sustainability relevant for development?
Answer. Present sources of energy in India are coal, petroleum, natural gas, solar energy, wind energy, hydel power, electricity, wood for fire, cow dung etc. Most of these are non-renewable sources of energy which may get exhausted after some time. These are available in limited quantities. The present rate of consumption is higher than the rate at which these resources are being replenished and should be preserved for our future generations.

In fifty years’ time, India may depend largely on non-conventional sources of energy which are available in abundance such as solar energy, hydel energy, wind energy etc. The total hydel power potential in India is estimated at 1,50,000 MW of which only one-sixth has been developed so far.

1. Development of a country needs to be continuous. Every country would like to have the level of development go up further.
2. Many scientists have warned that the present levels of development cannot be sustained for the future as the present rate of consumption of both renewable and non-renewable resources is very high. Rapid industrialisation has led to environment degradation.
3. Sustainability development aims at development without damaging the environment and at the same time conserving for the future.
4. Sustainability of development is essential not only for the present generation but also for future generations to ensure a good life.

Question.4. What is soil erosion? How do human activities and natural forces cause soil erosion? Suggest measures of soil conservation in hilly, and mountainous areas and in desert areas.
Answer. The denudation or destruction of the soil cover and their subsequent natural removal is termed soil erosion. Human activities as well as natural forces cause denudation of the top soil. The soil nutrients are subsequently washed away by running water or blown away by wind. Human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, construction and mining as well as faulty methods of farming lead to soil erosion. Natural forces like wind, water and glacier can cause soil erosion.

Surface runoff leads to formation of gullies, badlands and ravines by cutting out channels in the soil. Entire topsoil may be washed off under the impact of sheet erosion caused by large water flows down a slope. Loose soil may be blown away by wind easily. In hilly and mountainous areas the following measures can help to control soil erosion:

1. Contour ploughing or ploughing along the contour lines of a high land can decelerate flow of water down the slopes.
2. Terrace cultivation or cutting of steps around the slopes to provide land for agriculture also checks downhill flow of water and controls soil erosion, e.g. as in Western and Central Himalayan region.
3. Afforestation can help in soil conservation in hilly areas. In dry desert areas, planting of rows of trees known as shelter belts to check velocity of wind can control soil erosion. These shelter belts have contributed significantly to the stabilisation of sand dunes and checking the spread of desert in Western India.

Question.5. Distinguish between the following:
1. Potential and Developed Resources;
Answer. Potential Resources: Resources which are found in a region, but have not been utilised, e.g. Gujarat and Rajasthan have a lot of potential for the development of wind and solar energy, but so far they have not been developed fully.
Developed Resources: Resources which are surveyed and their quality and quantity have been determined for utilisation. The development of resources depends on technology and level of their feasibility, e.g., water resources used for hydel power generation or irrigation purposes.

2. Stock and Reserves.
Answer. Stock: Materials in the environment, which have the potential to satisfy human needs but man does not have the appropriate technology to access them are included among stock, e.g. water is a compound of two inflammable gases: hydrogen and oxygen, which can be used as a rich Source of energy. But we do not have the required technical know-how to use them for this purpose.
Reserves: Reserves are the subset of the stock, which can be put into use with the help of existing technical ‘know-how’ but their full use has been postponed for meeting the future needs, e.g., forest reserves, iron-ore reserves, water in the dams etc.

Question.6. What is land degradation? What is the area of degraded land in India? Name four types of waste-lands and their percentage share respectively.
Answer. Damage to the land, bringing down its quality is called land degradation.

Continuous use of land over a long period of time without taking appropriate measures to conserve and manage it, results in land degradation. India has 130 million hectares of degraded land.

Four categories of waste-lands:

1. Water eroded area .. 56%
2. Forest degraded area .. 28%
3. Wind eroded area .. 10%
4. Saline and Alkaline land .. 6%

Question.7. Look at the picture and explain the land-use pattern in India. Why has land under forest not increased much since 1960-61?Answer. The major land-use categories and their percentage share is:

1. Net sown area, where regular agriculture is done — 45.5%.
2. Forests, 23.3% of the total land is covered by forests.
3. Barren and waste land — 5.5%.
4. Area under non-agricultural use — 8.7%.
5. Permanent pastures and grazing land — 3.3%.
6. Area under miscellaneous tree crops and groves — 1%.
7. Culturable waste land — 4%
8. Fallows other than current fallows — 3.6%
9. Current fallow – 4.9%

The land under forests has increased marginally by about 5.19%. From 18.11% in 1960-61, it is still only 23.3% which is far lower than the desired 33% as outlined by the National Forest Policy (1952).

Reasons for marginal increase in forest area:

1. increasing population
2. technological developments
3. expansion of agriculture
4. development of transport and communication facilities
5. overgrazing
6. felling of trees

All these exert great pressure on land thus causing further depletion of forests.

Question.8. “Planning is the widely accepted strategy for judicious use of resources in a country like India”. Justify this statement with two relevant points and an example.
Answer.

• India has enormous diversity in the availability of resources. Through planning, regions which have shortage of vital resources and those having adequate quantities, receive equal attention.
• There are regions which are rich in certain types of resources but are deficient in some other resources. For example: Arunachal has abundance of water but lacks in infrastructural development.
• There are some regions which can be considered self sufficient in terms of availability of resources. For example: The states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal deposits.
• There are some regions which have acute shortage of some vital resources. For example: The state of Rajasthan is well endowed with solar and wind energy but lacks in water resources.

Question.9. Write some measures/ways to solve problems of land degradation.
Answer. Measures to conserve land:

1. Afforestation.
2. Proper management of grazing to control over-grazing.
3. Planting of shelter belts of plants.
4. Stabilisation of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes.
5. Control of mining activities.
6. Proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment.
7. Proper management of waste-lands
8. Avoid over-irrigation, especially in dry areas.
9. Avoid overuse of fertilisers and pesticides.

Question.10. Distinguish between red and laterite soils stating five points of distinction.
Answer.

Red soil	Laterite soil
(a) It is formed due to weathering of igneous and metamorphic rocks.	(a) It is formed due to weathering of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
(b) It is highly porous and less fertile but where it is deep, it is fertile.	(b) It is less fertile, only grass grows on it in abundance.
(b) It is less fertile, only grass grows on it in abundance.	(c) It is crystalline.
(d) It is red in colour due to the presence of iron in it.	(d) It is red in colour due to little clay and much gravel of red sandstones.
(e) It is found in parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Jharkhand.	(e) It is found in hills of the Deccan, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, Assam and Meghalaya.

Question.11. Give the importance of soil. Explain three factors responsible for soil formation.
Answer. Soil is the medium of plant growth and supports different types of living organisms, including animals and human beings, by providing them with food for their survival.

Human existance and settlement is determined by soil fertility as it determines agricultural productivity of an area. Soil determines the natural vegetation and type of crop production of an area. It also influences the land use of an area. Areas of fertile soil are agriculturally productive and densely populated. It is one of the most important renewable natural resource. Relief, nature of parent rock or bedrock, climate, vegetation and other forms of life (especially decomposers) and time are important factors in the formation of soil.

The three most important factors of soil formation are:

1. Nature of parent rock influences the colour and texture of the soil. The mineral content of the soil also depends on the parent rock from which it is formed.
2. Climate influences the rate and types of weathering and erosion of the rocks. Weathering of the parent rocks due to climatic factors and natural forces lead to disintegration of rocks which leads to the formation of soil.
3. Time determines maturity of the soil. The soil is a living system. It takes millions of years to form soil upto a few cm in depth.

Question.12. How much land is degraded in India at present? Explain any four human activities which are mainly responsible for land degradation in India.
Answer. At present, about 130 million hectares of land is degraded in India. Continuous use of land over a prolonged period of time without taking necessary steps to conserve and manage it, has resulted in land degradation. Four human activities responsible for land degradation in India are as follows:

1. In states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa deforestation due to mining have caused severe land degradation. Mining sites are dug, drilled and abandoned after excavation work is over, leaving the land overburdened and in a highly degraded state.
2. Mineral processing like grinding of limestone for cement industry and calcite and soapstone for ceramic industry generate huge quality of mineral dust in the atmosphere which ultimately settles down on the land. It retards the process of infiltration of water into the soil, thus, degrading the land. Discharge of industrial effluents and wastes cause pollution and land degradation in industrial regions.
3. In states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra overgrazing is one of the main reasons for land degradation.
4. In Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh overirrigation is responsible for land degradation. It leads to water logging which in turn increases salinity and alkalinity in the soil and reduces its fertility.