CBSE • NCERT • CLASS 10 GEOGRAPHY
Resources and Development
Chapter 1 • Contemporary India–II
Learn clearly • Revise quickly • Write better answers
🌍 Chapter at a Glance
This chapter explains how things found in nature become resources, why resources must be planned and conserved, and how India uses its land and soil resources. It also explains the major soil types of India, causes of land degradation and soil erosion, and methods of conservation.
Nature becomes useful through human knowledge, technology and institutions.
Resources should be used carefully so that future generations also benefit.
The chapter mainly studies land, soil and their conservation.
🎯 Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
- define a resource in simple words;
- explain the characteristics of resources;
- classify resources on four different bases;
- distinguish potential, developed, stock and reserve resources;
- explain resource planning and sustainable development;
- describe India’s land-use categories;
- identify causes and remedies of land degradation;
- explain soil formation and soil profile;
- compare the major soil types of India;
- explain soil erosion and methods of soil conservation.
Classification of resources, steps of resource planning, land degradation, soil types and soil-conservation methods are the most important answer-writing areas in this chapter.
1. Meaning of Resources
🌍 What is a Resource?
A resource is anything available in the environment that can satisfy human needs, provided it is:
- technologically accessible — people have the technology to use it;
- economically feasible — its use is affordable and practical;
- culturally acceptable — society accepts its use.
A substance does not become a resource only because it exists in nature. Human knowledge, skill, technology and institutions help turn it into a useful resource.
Human–Nature Interaction
Real-Life Example
Crude oil lying deep below the earth was not useful to early human societies. It became an important resource only after people developed drilling, refining, transport and engine technology.
Anything in the environment that can satisfy human needs and is technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable.
⭐ Characteristics of Resources
Resources have the following important characteristics:
- Utility: They satisfy a human need.
- Value: They have economic, social, cultural or ecological importance.
- Dynamic nature: Their usefulness changes with time and technology.
- Unequal distribution: Resources are not evenly distributed across regions.
- Limited availability: Many resources can be exhausted or degraded.
- Human role: Human beings identify, develop and manage resources.
Remember U-V-D-L-H: Utility, Value, Dynamic, Limited, Human role.
2. Classification of Resources
Resources are classified on four major bases:
Use O-E-O-D: Origin, Exhaustibility, Ownership, Development.
2.1 Classification by Origin
Biotic Resources
Biotic resources are obtained from the biosphere and are related to living organisms.
Examples: forests, animals, fisheries, livestock and human beings.
Abiotic Resources
Abiotic resources are non-living resources.
Examples: rocks, minerals, air, water and metals.
| Basis | Biotic Resources | Abiotic Resources | |---|---|---| | Meaning | Related to living organisms | Related to non-living things | | Source | Biosphere | Lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere | | Examples | Forests, animals, fish | Rocks, minerals, air, water | | Life | Living or once living | Never living |
Coal and petroleum are usually placed under non-renewable resources. Although formed from ancient organic matter, they are mineral fuels and take millions of years to form.
2.2 Classification by Exhaustibility
Renewable Resources
Renewable resources can be renewed or reproduced naturally within a reasonable period.
Examples: solar energy, wind energy, water, forests and wildlife.
Renewable does not mean unlimited. Forests, soil and groundwater can be damaged if their rate of use is greater than their rate of renewal.
Non-Renewable Resources
Non-renewable resources are formed over very long geological periods and cannot be replaced quickly.
Examples: coal, petroleum, natural gas and metallic minerals.
| Basis | Renewable Resources | Non-Renewable Resources | |---|---|---| | Renewal | Can be renewed naturally | Cannot be replaced quickly | | Formation time | Shorter or continuous | Millions of years | | Examples | Sunlight, wind, water | Coal, petroleum, minerals | | Main concern | Overuse and degradation | Exhaustion | | Best approach | Sustainable use | Careful and efficient use |
2.3 Classification by Ownership
Individual Resources
Resources owned privately by individuals.
Examples: houses, plots, wells, farms and vehicles.
Community-Owned Resources
Resources available for the use of all members of a community.
Examples: public parks, village ponds, playgrounds and grazing grounds.
National Resources
Resources belonging to the nation. The government has legal authority over them.
Examples: forests, minerals, roads, rivers, railways, land within political boundaries and oceanic resources up to the country’s legal maritime limit.
International Resources
Resources beyond national jurisdiction are managed through international institutions and agreements.
Example: oceanic resources beyond the exclusive economic zones of individual countries.
2.4 Classification by Status of Development
Potential Resources
Resources found in a region but not fully used at present.
Examples: solar and wind energy in Rajasthan and Gujarat; hydel power potential in Himalayan regions.
Developed Resources
Resources that have been surveyed, and whose quantity and quality are known. Their use depends on available technology and level of development.
Stock
Materials available in the environment that can satisfy human needs but cannot be used fully because suitable technology is not yet available.
Example: hydrogen in water can be a major source of energy, but its large-scale use needs advanced and affordable technology.
Reserves
The part of stock that can be used with present technology but is saved for future use.
Examples: water stored in dams, forests protected for future use.
| Basis | Potential | Developed | Stock | Reserves | |---|---|---|---|---| | Meaning | Known but not fully used | Surveyed and being used | Useful but technology is insufficient | Usable with present technology but saved | | Knowledge | General availability known | Quantity and quality known | Availability known | Quantity is known | | Present use | Limited | Active | Not practical | Controlled | | Example | Wind energy in western India | Working coal mine | Hydrogen energy from water | Water stored in dams |
Stock cannot be used fully because suitable technology is not available. Reserves can be used with present technology but are conserved for future use.
3. Development of Resources
Resources are essential for development, but careless use creates serious problems.
Problems Caused by Indiscriminate Use
Resources are exhausted to satisfy the greed of a small section of society.
Resources become concentrated in the hands of a few, increasing inequality.
Pollution, land degradation, global warming and ecological imbalance increase.
Development Must Be Balanced
Development should improve the quality of human life without destroying the natural systems on which life depends. The aim is not to stop development, but to make it responsible, fair and sustainable.
Nature provides enough to meet human needs, but not unlimited greed. Therefore, resource use must be guided by responsibility and fairness.
4. Sustainable Development
♻️ Meaning
Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Main Principles
- use renewable resources within their capacity to regenerate;
- reduce excessive use of non-renewable resources;
- reuse and recycle materials;
- prevent pollution;
- protect biodiversity;
- ensure fair access to resources;
- consider the needs of future generations.
Rio Earth Summit, 1992
In June 1992, world leaders met at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
Major concerns included:
- environmental protection;
- global warming;
- biodiversity;
- sustainable development;
- cooperation between developed and developing countries.
Agenda 21
Agenda 21 is a global action plan for sustainable development adopted at the Rio Earth Summit.
Its important idea is: Think globally, act locally.
Local governments and communities are encouraged to prepare their own plans for environmental protection and sustainable use of resources.
5. Resource Planning
🧭 Why Does India Need Resource Planning?
India has great diversity in relief, climate, soil, water, minerals, forests and population. These resources are unevenly distributed.
For example:
- Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal;
- Arunachal Pradesh has abundant water resources but less developed infrastructure;
- Rajasthan has strong solar and wind potential but limited water;
- Ladakh has unique cultural and natural resources but faces difficult terrain and climate.
Because every region has different strengths and limitations, resources must be identified and developed carefully.
Three Steps of Resource Planning
Balanced Regional Development
Resource availability alone does not guarantee development. Technology, infrastructure, education, skills, institutions and good governance are also necessary.
A resource-rich area may remain underdeveloped if roads, electricity, trained workers and institutions are weak. A resource-poor region may progress through education, technology, trade and efficient management.
In a three-mark answer on resource planning, write the three steps in sequence and explain each in one clear sentence.
6. Conservation of Resources
🌿 Meaning
Resource conservation means careful, planned and efficient use of resources so that wastage is reduced and resources remain available for the future.
Why Is Conservation Necessary?
- many resources are limited;
- careless use causes environmental damage;
- future generations also have a right to resources;
- resources should be available to all sections of society;
- conservation supports long-term economic development.
Practical Methods
Reuse metals, paper, glass and plastic.
Use rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation.
Use solar and wind energy where suitable.
Prevent unnecessary cutting and encourage afforestation.
Reduce energy and material waste.
Involve local people in conservation decisions.
7. Land Resources
Land is one of the most important natural resources. It supports:
- agriculture;
- forests and wildlife;
- houses and settlements;
- roads and railways;
- industries;
- mining;
- recreation and tourism.
Relief Features and Their Importance
Support agriculture, industries, transport and settlements.
Provide rivers, forests, tourism and ecological security.
Rich in minerals, fossil fuels and forests.
Land is finite. Population growth and increasing economic activities create heavy pressure on it.
8. Land Utilisation
Land is used for many different purposes.
Main Land-Use Categories
1. Forests
Land under forest cover.
2. Land Not Available for Cultivation
This includes:
- barren and wasteland;
- land used for buildings, roads, industries and other non-agricultural purposes.
3. Other Uncultivated Land
This includes:
- permanent pastures and grazing land;
- land under tree crops and groves;
- culturable wasteland that has remained uncultivated for more than five years.
4. Fallow Land
- Current fallow: land left uncultivated for one agricultural year or less;
- Other than current fallow: land left uncultivated for one to five years.
5. Net Sown Area
Land on which crops are sown and harvested at least once in an agricultural year.
Gross Cropped Area = Net Sown Area + Area sown more than once in the same agricultural year.
Factors Affecting Land-Use Pattern
🌦️ Physical Factors
- topography and slope;
- climate and rainfall;
- soil type and fertility;
- water availability.
👥 Human Factors
- population density;
- technology;
- culture and traditions;
- economic development;
- government policy.
Why Is Land-Use Data Important?
Land-use data helps governments and planners understand:
- how much land is under farming;
- whether forest cover is increasing or decreasing;
- how urbanisation affects agricultural land;
- where wastelands require restoration;
- how future development can be planned.
9. Land Degradation
⚠️ Meaning
Land degradation is the decline in the quality, productivity and usefulness of land.
Land Degradation Cycle
Major Causes and Remedies
| Cause | Main Effect | Remedy | |---|---|---| | Deforestation | Loss of protective vegetation cover | Afforestation and controlled cutting | | Overgrazing | Grass cover is destroyed | Regulated grazing and pasture development | | Mining and quarrying | Land surface is damaged and waste is dumped | Reclamation and proper waste disposal | | Over-irrigation | Waterlogging and salinity | Drainage and controlled irrigation | | Industrial waste | Soil and water pollution | Treatment before disposal | | Excessive chemicals | Loss of soil health | Balanced fertiliser use and organic manure | | Wind erosion | Topsoil is blown away | Shelter belts and strip cropping |
State-Based Examples
- Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha: mining and deforestation are major causes.
- Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra: overgrazing is important.
- Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh: over-irrigation can cause waterlogging, salinity and alkalinity.
- Industrial regions: untreated waste and effluents damage land and water.
Methods to Control Land Degradation
- afforestation;
- proper grazing management;
- planting shelter belts;
- stabilising sand dunes with thorny bushes;
- controlling mining;
- reclaiming mined land;
- treating industrial waste;
- managing irrigation and drainage;
- using wasteland-development programmes.
10. Soil as a Resource
Soil is the most important renewable natural resource for agriculture. It supports plants and provides the base for food production.
However, soil forms very slowly. A few centimetres of soil may take hundreds of years to develop. Therefore, soil must be protected.
Soil Formation
Soil forms through the breaking down of rocks and the addition of organic matter.
Factors of Soil Formation
- Parent rock: determines mineral content and basic colour.
- Relief: affects depth, drainage and erosion.
- Climate: rainfall and temperature influence weathering.
- Vegetation and organisms: add humus and mix the soil.
- Time: mature soil takes a long period to develop.
Soil Profile
A vertical section through the soil is called a soil profile.
The A horizon is generally the most fertile because it contains humus, minerals, air, water and plant roots.
11. Major Soil Types of India
India has six major soil groups:
- Alluvial soil
- Black soil
- Red and yellow soil
- Laterite soil
- Arid soil
- Forest and mountain soil
11.1 Alluvial Soil
Alluvial soil is the most widespread and agriculturally important soil of India.
Formation
It is formed by materials deposited by rivers.
Distribution
- Northern Plains;
- river valleys;
- eastern coastal deltas;
- parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Features
- mixture of sand, silt and clay;
- generally fertile;
- rich in potash, phosphoric acid and lime;
- relatively poor in nitrogen and humus;
- suitable for intensive agriculture.
Two Types
- Bangar: old alluvial soil, found on higher terraces; often contains kankar nodules.
- Khadar: new alluvial soil, renewed by floods; finer and usually more fertile.
Main Crops
Rice, wheat, sugarcane, pulses, oilseeds, jute and vegetables.
11.2 Black Soil
Black soil is also called regur soil or black cotton soil.
Formation
It developed from the weathering of basaltic lava rocks of the Deccan Trap.
Distribution
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Features
- black in colour;
- fine and clayey;
- high moisture-retaining capacity;
- develops deep cracks during hot weather;
- sticky when wet and difficult to work;
- rich in calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime;
- generally poor in phosphorus.
Main Crops
Cotton, sugarcane, soybean, wheat, groundnut and pulses.
11.3 Red and Yellow Soil
Formation
Red soil develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall.
Distribution
Parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, southern middle Ganga plain, eastern and southern Deccan Plateau, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Features
- red colour due to iron;
- appears yellow when hydrated;
- generally porous and less fertile;
- poor in nitrogen, phosphorus and humus;
- responds well to fertilisers and irrigation.
Main Crops
Millets, pulses, groundnut, cotton and some rice.
11.4 Laterite Soil
The word laterite is linked with the idea of a brick-like hard material.
Formation
It develops under high temperature and heavy rainfall. Intense leaching removes many nutrients.
Distribution
Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Assam and hilly areas of the Western and Eastern Ghats.
Features
- strongly leached;
- low in humus and fertility;
- rich in iron and aluminium;
- suitable for crops after adding manure and fertilisers.
Main Crops
Tea, coffee, cashew nut and rubber in suitable regions.
11.5 Arid Soil
Distribution
Western Rajasthan and nearby dry regions.
Features
- red to brown in colour;
- sandy and saline;
- low in humus and moisture;
- kankar layer may restrict water infiltration;
- becomes productive with irrigation and proper management.
Main Crops
Bajra, pulses, wheat and cotton where irrigation is available.
11.6 Forest and Mountain Soil
Distribution
Hilly and mountainous regions, especially the Himalayas.
Features
Properties vary with altitude and slope:
- coarse on upper slopes;
- loamy and silty in valleys;
- acidic in snow-covered regions;
- fertile on river terraces and valley sides.
Main Crops
Tea, coffee, spices, temperate fruits and plantation crops depending on climate and altitude.
Soil Types Comparison Table
| Soil Type | Main Region | Key Feature | Major Crops | |---|---|---|---| | Alluvial | Northern plains and deltas | Very fertile; river deposits | Rice, wheat, sugarcane, jute | | Black | Deccan Plateau | Clayey; retains moisture | Cotton, soybean, sugarcane | | Red and Yellow | Eastern and southern plateau | Iron gives red colour | Millets, pulses, groundnut | | Laterite | High-rainfall hills | Strongly leached | Tea, coffee, cashew | | Arid | Western Rajasthan | Sandy, saline, low humus | Bajra, pulses | | Forest and Mountain | Himalayas and hills | Varies with altitude | Tea, fruits, spices |
Black Soil vs Red Soil
| Basis | Black Soil | Red Soil | |---|---|---| | Parent material | Basaltic lava | Crystalline igneous rocks | | Colour | Black | Red due to iron | | Texture | Fine and clayey | Sandy to loamy | | Moisture | High retention | Lower retention | | Main crop | Cotton | Millets and groundnut | | Main region | Deccan Trap | Eastern and southern plateau |
Alluvial Soil vs Laterite Soil
| Basis | Alluvial Soil | Laterite Soil | |---|---|---| | Formation | River deposition | Heavy rainfall and leaching | | Fertility | Generally high | Generally low | | Main region | Plains and deltas | High-rainfall hills | | Nutrients | Rich in potash and lime | Poor in humus and nutrients | | Crops | Rice, wheat, sugarcane | Tea, coffee, cashew with inputs |
Remember the six soils as A-B-R-L-A-F: Alluvial, Black, Red, Laterite, Arid, Forest.
12. Soil Erosion
Meaning
Soil erosion is the removal of the fertile top layer of soil by water, wind or human activities.
Causes
- deforestation;
- overgrazing;
- construction;
- mining;
- faulty farming methods;
- running water;
- strong winds.
Main Types of Soil Erosion
Gully Erosion
Running water cuts deep channels into the soil. These channels are called gullies.
Severe gully erosion can create badlands. The Chambal basin is a well-known example.
Sheet Erosion
Water flows as a thin sheet over a large area and removes the topsoil almost evenly.
Wind Erosion
Strong winds blow away loose and dry soil, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
Deep channels formed by running water.
Thin layer of topsoil removed over a wide area.
Loose dry soil carried away by strong winds.
13. Soil Conservation
Soil conservation means protecting soil from erosion and maintaining its fertility.
Main Methods
Contour Ploughing
Ploughing along contour lines slows the flow of water down a slope.
Terrace Farming
Steps are cut on hill slopes to create level fields and reduce run-off.
Strip Cropping
Crops are grown in strips separated by grass or cover crops. The strips reduce wind speed and water flow.
Shelter Belts
Rows of trees are planted to reduce wind speed and protect soil.
Afforestation
Planting trees increases vegetation cover, holds the soil and reduces erosion.
Check Dams and Gully Plugs
Small barriers slow water, trap sediment and prevent gullies from deepening.
Controlled Grazing
Limiting the number and movement of grazing animals allows vegetation to recover.
Method and Suitable Area
| Conservation Method | Best Suited For | How It Helps | |---|---|---| | Contour ploughing | Gentle slopes | Slows water flow | | Terrace farming | Steep hills | Creates level fields | | Strip cropping | Plains and dry areas | Breaks wind and run-off | | Shelter belts | Desert margins | Reduces wind speed | | Afforestation | Degraded slopes and open land | Binds soil with roots | | Check dams | Gullied areas | Stops deepening of gullies | | Controlled grazing | Grasslands | Protects vegetation cover |
14. Complete Chapter Concept Map
Resources
MeaningCharacteristicsClassificationConservationPlanning
InventoryTechnologyInstitutionsNational goalsLand
UtilisationLand-use patternDegradationRemediesSoil
FormationProfileMajor typesErosion and conservation15. Quick Summary
Useful, accessible, affordable and socially acceptable.
Origin, exhaustibility, ownership and development.
Use resources today without harming future generations.
Identify resources, build capacity and match them with development goals.
Supports agriculture, settlements, industries, transport and ecosystems.
Forms slowly and must be protected from erosion.
One-Page Revision Sheet
Resource Classification
- Origin: Biotic / Abiotic
- Exhaustibility: Renewable / Non-renewable
- Ownership: Individual / Community / National / International
- Development: Potential / Developed / Stock / Reserves
Resource Planning Steps
- Identification and inventory
- Planning structure with technology, skills and institutions
- Matching resource plans with national development plans
Sustainable Development
- meet present needs;
- protect future needs;
- reduce waste;
- conserve biodiversity;
- use clean technology;
- ensure fair distribution.
Land Degradation
Causes: deforestation, overgrazing, mining, over-irrigation, industrial waste.
Remedies: afforestation, controlled grazing, reclamation, drainage, waste treatment.
Major Soils
- Alluvial — northern plains
- Black — Deccan Plateau
- Red and Yellow — eastern and southern plateau
- Laterite — high rainfall areas
- Arid — western Rajasthan
- Forest and Mountain — Himalayan and hilly regions
Soil Conservation
Contour ploughing, terrace farming, strip cropping, shelter belts, afforestation, check dams and controlled grazing.
16. Common Mistakes
✅ Correct: They can also be degraded if used faster than they renew.
✅ Correct: Stock lacks suitable technology; reserves are usable but saved.
✅ Correct: It is generally poor in phosphorus.
✅ Correct: Bangar is older; khadar is newer and renewed by floods.
✅ Correct: Explain how each method reduces erosion.
17. Practice Questions
A. One-Mark Questions
- What is a resource?
- Name the two types of resources based on origin.
- Give one example of a community-owned resource.
- What is sustainable development?
- What is Agenda 21?
- Name the soil best known for cotton cultivation.
- What is khadar?
- What is gully erosion?
- Name one method used to control wind erosion.
- Which horizon is known as topsoil?
Answers
- Anything that satisfies human needs and is technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable.
- Biotic and abiotic.
- Village pond, public park or grazing ground.
- Development that meets present needs without reducing future opportunities.
- A global action plan for sustainable development adopted at the Rio Earth Summit.
- Black soil.
- New alluvial soil renewed by floods.
- Erosion in which running water cuts deep channels into the soil.
- Shelter belts or strip cropping.
- A horizon.
B. Two-Mark Questions
1. Distinguish between biotic and abiotic resources.
Answer:
- Biotic resources are related to living organisms, such as forests and animals.
- Abiotic resources are non-living, such as rocks, water and minerals.
2. What is the difference between bangar and khadar?
Answer:
- Bangar is older alluvial soil found on higher terraces and often contains kankar.
- Khadar is newer alluvial soil deposited by floods and is generally more fertile.
3. Give two reasons why resource conservation is necessary.
Answer:
- Many resources are limited and may be exhausted.
- Conservation protects the environment and keeps resources available for future generations.
C. Three-Mark Questions
1. Explain the three steps involved in resource planning.
Sample Answer:
- Resources are identified through survey, mapping, measurement and quality assessment.
- A planning structure is created using suitable technology, skills and institutions.
- Resource-development plans are matched with national and regional development goals.
2. Explain any three causes of land degradation.
Sample Answer:
- Deforestation removes vegetation and exposes soil to erosion.
- Overgrazing destroys grass cover and reduces land productivity.
- Mining damages the land surface and leaves waste material.
- Over-irrigation may cause waterlogging, salinity and alkalinity.
- Untreated industrial waste pollutes soil and water.
3. Explain three features of black soil.
Sample Answer:
- It is fine, clayey and has high moisture-retaining capacity.
- It develops deep cracks in hot weather, which helps aeration.
- It is rich in calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime but poor in phosphorus.
D. Five-Mark Questions
1. Classify resources on the basis of status of development.
Sample Answer:
Resources are divided into four categories:
- Potential resources: Known to exist but not fully used, such as wind energy in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- Developed resources: Surveyed resources whose quantity and quality are known and which are being used.
- Stock: Materials that can satisfy human needs but cannot be used fully because suitable technology is unavailable.
- Reserves: The usable part of stock that can be used with existing technology but is conserved for future use.
2. Describe the major methods of soil conservation.
Sample Answer:
- Contour ploughing slows water flow on slopes.
- Terrace farming creates level steps on hills.
- Strip cropping reduces wind and water erosion.
- Shelter belts reduce wind speed in dry regions.
- Afforestation binds soil with plant roots.
- Check dams slow water and control gullies.
- Controlled grazing protects grass cover.
E. Assertion and Reason
Choose the correct option:
- A: Both statements are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
- B: Both statements are true, but the reason does not correctly explain the assertion.
- C: Assertion is true, but reason is false.
- D: Assertion is false, but reason is true.
Question 1
Assertion: Black soil is suitable for cotton cultivation.
Reason: Black soil has high moisture-retaining capacity.
Answer: A
Question 2
Assertion: Renewable resources can never be exhausted.
Reason: Renewable resources can be naturally replenished.
Answer: D
Question 3
Assertion: Laterite soil is generally low in fertility.
Reason: Heavy rainfall causes strong leaching.
Answer: A
F. Case-Based Question
Read the passage:
A semi-arid district has experienced rapid removal of vegetation, heavy grazing and strong winds. Farmers report that the fertile topsoil is becoming thinner. Crop yields are falling and sand is entering cultivated fields.
Questions
- Identify two causes of land degradation in the passage.
- Name the main type of erosion likely to occur.
- Suggest two suitable conservation methods.
- Explain how one suggested method works.
Model Answer
- Removal of vegetation and overgrazing.
- Wind erosion.
- Shelter belts and strip cropping.
- Shelter belts reduce wind speed, so less loose soil is carried away.
G. Competency-Based Question
A village has land on a gentle slope. During heavy rain, water flows quickly across fields and removes a thin layer of soil.
- Identify the type of erosion.
- Suggest the most suitable farming method.
- Explain why it will help.
Answer:
- Sheet erosion.
- Contour ploughing.
- Ploughing across the slope slows water movement and reduces the removal of topsoil.
H. Map Practice
On an outline map of India, shade and label the broad regions of:
- alluvial soil;
- black soil;
- red and yellow soil;
- laterite soil;
- arid soil;
- forest and mountain soil.
🗺️ Map Tip: Learn regions, not only state names. Alluvial soil dominates the northern plains; black soil covers much of the Deccan Trap; arid soil is concentrated in western Rajasthan.
18. Last-Minute Revision
Remember These 10 Points
- A resource must be useful, accessible, affordable and acceptable.
- Resource classification mnemonic: O-E-O-D.
- Stock lacks suitable technology; reserves are usable but saved.
- Sustainable development protects future generations.
- Resource planning has three clear steps.
- Land degradation is caused by deforestation, overgrazing, mining, over-irrigation and waste.
- Alluvial soil has two types: bangar and khadar.
- Black soil is known for cotton and moisture retention.
- Laterite soil forms under heavy rainfall and leaching.
- Contour ploughing, terraces and shelter belts reduce soil erosion.