Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

• Land Resources

  • Meaning: Covers about 30% of total earth's area
  • Unevenly Populated: Due to varied topography, steep slopes, low-lying areas, and climate
  • Land Use: Agriculture, forestry, mining, housing, roads
  • Factors Affecting Land Use:
    • Physical factors: Topography, soil, climate, water availability
    • Human factors: Population, technology
  • Conservation Measures:
    • Afforestation
    • Land reclamation
    • Regulated use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers
    • Check on overgrazing

• Soil Resources

  • Meaning: Thin layer of grainy substance covering the earth's surface
  • Formation Factors:
    • Parent rock
    • Climate
    • Relief
    • Flora, fauna, and microorganisms
    • Time
  • Degradation & Conservation:
    • Causes: Deforestation, overgrazing, overuse of chemical fertilizers, rain wash, landslides
    • Conservation Methods:
      • Mulching: Bare ground covered with organic matter
      • Contour barriers: Stones, grass, soil used to build barriers
      • Rock dam: Rocks piled up to slow water flow
      • Terrace farming: Broad flat steps made on steep slopes
      • Intercropping: Different crops grown in alternate rows
      • Contour ploughing: Ploughing parallel to contours
      • Shelter belts: Rows of trees planted to check wind movement

• Water Resources

  • Availability: 71% of earth's surface is water (97.5% saline, only 2.7% fresh water)
  • Fresh Water Access: Only 1% is available for human use (found in groundwater, rivers, lakes)
  • Water Scarcity Causes:
    • Increasing population
    • Rising demands for food and cash crops
    • Urbanization
    • Water pollution
  • Conservation Management:
    • Afforestation (to replenish underground water)
    • Rainwater harvesting
    • Efficient irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems)

• Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

  • Interdependence: Exist only in the biosphere
  • Ecosystem: Life sustaining system where living beings are interlinked
  • Natural Vegetation Distribution:
    • Forests: Heavy rainfall areas
    • Grasslands: Moderate rainfall areas
    • Shrubs: Dry/arid regions
    • Tundra: Polar regions (mosses and lichens)
  • Conservation of Forests & Wildlife:
    • Threats: Deforestation, soil erosion, constructional activities, forest fires, poaching
    • Measures:
      • National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves
      • Awareness programs like Social Forestry and Van Mahotsav
      • Legal bans on hunting and trade of endangered species (e.g., CITES)