How can the problem of land degradation be solved

in India? Suggest some solutions.

Ans.(1) The vegetation provides the protective
cover to the land. Vegetation cover does not allow
the rain water to fall straight on the land, thus,
helps to maintain the soil fertility. Afforeztation
helps to solve the problem of land degradation.

(2) Shelter belts can be created on the margins of

the desert areas.

(3) In semi-arid areas, land degradation can be

curbed by cultivation technique. It is based on
moisture conservation.

(4) The industrial effluents and wastes are a major

cause of land degradation. Therefore, effective
measures must be taken for the proper discharge
and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes.
(5) Over-grazing of land by animals is to be
controlled.
(6) It is also necessary to stabilize the shifting of
sand dunes in the desert areas. It ran be done by
planting thorny bushes.

.’Late rite’ has later meant?

Ans. Brick

Short Answers:-
1.Name the soil type which is widely found in
Western Rajasthan. Explain two important
characteristics of this soil type which makes it
unsuitable for cultivation.
Ans. (1) Arid soil is found in Western Rajasthan.
(2) Characteristics of arid soil:
(i) Very dry and cannot retain moisture as the
grains are loosely bonded.
(ii) Poor in organic matter or humus due to lack of
plant and animals living on it.

Mention any three features of arid soil.

Ans. Features of arid soils:
(1) Arid soils are sandy in texture and saline in
nature.
(2) This soil lacks in humus and moisture.
(3) The lower horizons of the soil are occupied by
kantar.

(2) Four methods of soil conservation areas under:

1.Forestation:
The best way to conserve soil is to increase area
under forests. Indiscriminate felling of trees should
be stopped and efforts should be made to plant
trees in new areas. A minimum area of forest land
for the whole country that is considered healthy for
soil and water conservation is between 20 to 25
per cent but it was raised to 33 per cent in the
second five year plan; the proportion being 20 per
cent for the plains and 60 per cent for hilly and
mountainous regions.
2. Checking Overgrazing:
Overgrazing of forests and grass lands by animals,
especially by goats and sheep, should be properly
checked. Separate grazing grounds should be
earmarked and fodder crops should be grown in
larger quantities. Animals freely move about in the
fields for grazing and spoil the soil by their hoofs
which leads to soil erosion. This should be
avoided.