Degradation of Soil and Conservation Measures
Soil erosion and depletion pose significant threats to soil resources, driven by both natural phenomena and human activities. Factors contributing to soil degradation include:
- Deforestation
- Overgrazing
- Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
- Water erosion from rainfall
- Land disturbances such as landslides and floods
Various soil conservation techniques are employed to mitigate soil degradation:
Mulching: Covering the bare ground between plants with organic materials like straw to retain soil moisture.
Contour barriers: Constructing barriers along contour lines using stones, grass, and soil to reduce water flow and collect it in trenches.
Rock dams: Piling up rocks to slow water flow and prevent gully erosion.
Terrace farming: Creating flat terraces on steep slopes to reduce surface runoff and soil erosion.
Intercropping: Planting different crops in alternating rows to protect soil from erosion.
Contour ploughing: Ploughing parallel to hill slopes to create natural barriers for water flow.
Shelterbelts: Planting rows of trees in coastal and arid regions to reduce wind erosion and preserve soil cover.
Chapter 2: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources| CBSE Notes Class 8 Geography
Observe the terrain, soil composition, and water availability in your local area and observe how they have shaped the way people live there. It’s notable that a significant portion of the world’s population, approximately 90%, resides on just 30% of the total land area, leaving the remaining 70% relatively sparsely populated or uninhabited.
For a comprehensive understanding of subjects like Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation, and Wildlife Resources, students are encouraged to delve into Chapter 2 of CBSE Class 8 Geography. Additionally, students can enhance their understanding by referring to CBSE Notes Class 8 Geography Chapter 2, which covers these topics in detail.
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