MP Board · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: Resources and DevelopmentWhat do you understand by land degradation? Explain the major human causes of land degradation in India and suggest suitable measures to conserve land resources.

Meaning of Land Degradation

Land degradation refers to the decline in the quality and fertility of land due to natural processes or human activities. It makes the land unsuitable for cultivation and other productive uses.

Major Human Causes of Land Degradation in India

1. Deforestation: Large-scale cutting of trees for agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization destroys the protective vegetation cover, leading to severe soil erosion by water and wind.
2. Overgrazing: Continuous grazing by livestock in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra damages the vegetation cover, leading to severe degradation of land.
3. Mining and Quarrying: Mining sites are left abandoned after excavation work is completed, leaving deep scars and traces of over-burdening. States like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha suffer heavily from mining-induced degradation.
4. Over-Irrigation: In states like Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, excessive irrigation leads to waterlogging, which increases salinity and alkalinity in the soil, reducing its productivity.
5. Industrial Effluents: Disposal of untreated industrial effluents and solid wastes on land pollutes the soil and impairs the water infiltration capacity of the soil.

Measures to Conserve Land Resources

• Afforestation: Planting trees on a large scale helps hold the soil together and prevents soil erosion.
• Proper Management of Grazing Lands: Controlling overgrazing and creating dedicated pastures help preserve plant cover.
• Planting Shelter Belts: Planting rows of trees along agricultural fields acts as windbreaks, preventing soil erosion in arid areas.
• Stabilization of Sand Dunes: Planting thorny bushes in desert regions stabilizes sand dunes and stops desertification.
• Control on Mining Activities: Regulating mining activities and proper land reclamation after mining process.
• Treatment of Industrial Effluents: Treating industrial waste before discharging it onto land or into water bodies.