Land Degradation and Conservation, Alluvial Soil and Black Soil are widely searched topics for CBSE Class 10 Geography. This post builds upon our previous discussion in Land Resources and Land Use Pattern and provides a comprehensive look at the causes of land degradation, the human activities involved, and essential conservation measures. We will also explore the classification of soils in India, with a special focus on the characteristics and significance of alluvial soil and black soil in supporting agricultural activities and maintaining ecological balance. Let us dive into these critical aspects to strengthen your understanding of Chapter – Resource and Development, Part 3.
Easy and Quick Revision Notes
Resource and Development
Part – 3
Land Degradation and Conservation Measures
Land Degradation:
Land degradation means decline in the fertility of the land
Or
When land becomes unfit for cultivation.
Causes of land degradation: Human activities like
(1) Deforestation
(2) Overgrazing
(3) Mining
(4) Quarrying
(5) Over irrigation
(6) Industrialisation
Causes of land degradation in some Indian states:
| Name of State | Cause |
|---|---|
| (1) Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha | (a) Deforestation due to mining |
| (2) Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra | (b) Overgrazing |
| (3) Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh | (c) Over irrigation |
Ways to solve the problems of land degradation
• Afforestation
• Proper management of grazing
• Planting of shelter belts of plants
• Control on over grazing
• Stabilising of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes
• Proper management of wastelands
• Control of mining activities
• Proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and waste
Soil as a Resource
Soil : Most important renewable resource
Soil provides : Medium for plant growth, support different types of living organisms on the earth
Factors contributing the formation of soil : relief, parent rock or bed rock, climate, vegetation, time.
The forces of nature which contribute to soil formation are –
change in temperature, action of running water, wind and glaciers, activities of decomposers, chemical and organic changes that take place in the soil.
Classification of Soil :
Variation in relief features, landforms climate changes, have given rise to different types of soils in different regions of India.
Alluvial Soil –
(1) Most widely spread soil
(2) Covers entire northern plains (deposited by Indus, Brahmaputra and Ganga)
(3) Very fertile
(4) Rich in potash, phosphoric acid and lime
(5) In drier areas these are more alkaline
(6) Regions of these soils are intensively cultivated and densely populated
(7) Classified as Khadar (New alluvial) and Bhangar (Old alluvial)
(8) found in Rajasthan, Gujarat
(9) Alluvial soil is ideal for growing wheat, paddy, sugarcane, other cereal and pulses crops.
(10) Alluvial soil is found in Northern plains, marshes stretch of Gujarat and Rajasthan, eastern coastal plains / deltas of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri.
Black Soil
• Black in colour
• Also known as Regur soils, known as cotton soil
• Ideal for growing cotton also called black cotton soil
• Made up of clayey material
• High water retention capacity
• Made up of lava flows
• Poor in phosphorus but rich in potash, lime and magnesium
• They develop deep cracks during hot weather which helps proper aeration of the soil
• Black soil is found in Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
The soil is ideal / good for growing cotton.
For a complete understanding of Land Degradation and Conservation, Alluvial Soil and Black Soil for your CBSE Class 10 Geography studies, you may also refer to our previous post on Part 1 of Resource and Development Notes. Now, let’s explore some important FAQs that cover the key aspects of land degradation, effective conservation measures, and the significance of alluvial soil and black soil in agriculture.
Q1. What is land degradation?
Answer: Land degradation is the decline in the fertility of the land or when land becomes unfit for cultivation.
Q2. Name two human activities that cause land degradation.
Answer: Deforestation and overgrazing.
Q3. Name two states in India where overgrazing causes land degradation.
Answer: Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Q4. What is afforestation?
Answer: Afforestation means planting more trees to conserve soil and prevent land degradation.
Q5. Name two rivers that deposit alluvial soil in India.
Answer: The Ganga and the Brahmaputra
Q6. Name the two types of alluvial soil.
Answer: Khadar (new alluvial soil) and Bhangar (old alluvial soil).
Q7. What is alluvial soil rich in?
Answer: Alluvial soil is rich in potash, phosphoric acid, and lime.
Q8. In which regions of India is alluvial soil found?
Answer: In the northern plains, deltas of rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, and parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Q9. Why is alluvial soil considered very fertile?
Answer: Because it is deposited by rivers and is rich in minerals, making it highly fertile.
Q10. Which type of soil is ideal for growing cotton?
Answer: Black soil.
Q11. What is the other name for black soil?
Answer: Regur soil.
Q12. In which region of India is black soil found?
Answer: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
Q13. Which soil is known as Regur Soil?
Answer: Black Soil
Let’s wind it up
A deeper understanding of land degradation and conservation, along with the unique characteristics of alluvial soil and black soil, empowers us to appreciate the rich diversity of India’s natural resources and the urgent need for sustainable practices. These topics are crucial for scoring well in CBSE Class 10 Geography and for becoming informed citizens who value environmental stewardship. Keep exploring these important concepts and continue to build your knowledge. For more detailed notes and reliable study materials, visit CBSE Notes Hub and stay ahead in your learning journey.