Ch2: Land, soil, water, natural vegetation and wildlife
Class notes
Land
1. Land is among the most important natural resources as it provides us with a biosphere
which is important for our survival.
2. Land is different at different places in terms of size, quality etc.
3. The uneven distribution of population in different parts of the world is mainly due to
varied characteristics of land and climate.
The factors influencing the use of land are:
●Physical factors like topography, soil, climate,
●Minerals,
●Availability of water
●Human factors like population and technology
●Land is used for different purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses, roads
and setting up of industries. This is commonly termed as Land use.
●Land can also be divided on the basis of private land and community land:
Private land is owned by individuals whereas, community land is owned by the community for
common uses like collection of fodder, fruits, nuts or medicinal herbs. These community lands
are also called common property resources.
●Land degradation, landslides, soil erosion, desertification are the major threats to the
environment because of the expansion of agriculture and constructional activities.
●Afforestation, land reclamation, regulated use of chemical pesticide and fertilizer and checks
on overgrazing are some of the common methods used to conserve land.
Soil
The thin layer of grainy substance covering the surface of the earth is called soil. It is closely
linked to land. Landforms determine the type of soil. Soil is made up of organic matter, minerals
and weathered rocks found on the earth.
The breaking up and decay of exposed rocks, by temperature changes, frost action, plants,
animals and human activity is called Weathering.
Layers of soil are:
●A horizon-Topsoil, B horizon-subsoil, C horizon-weathered rock and Parent Rock.
●Parent rock determines the color, texture, chemical properties mineral, content and
permeability.
●Climate, time, vegetation and altitude influences the nature of soil in terms of the rate of
weathering and humus.
Degradation of soil:
●Soil is one of the most important elements required for agriculture. Which is important for
humans as they need food to survive
●Factors which lead to soil degradation are deforestation, overgrazing, overuse of chemical
fertilizers or pesticides, rain wash, landslides and floods.
Soil conservation methods:
1. Mulching: The bare ground between plants is covered with a layer of organic matter like
straw. It helps to retain soil moisture.
2. Contour barriers: Stones, grass, soil are used to build barriers along contours. Trenches
are made in front of the barriers to collect water.
3. Rock dam: Rocks are piled up to slow down the flow of water. This prevents gullies and
further soil loss.
4. Terrace farming: Broad flat steps or terraces are made on the steep slopes so that flat
surfaces are available to grow crops. They reduce surface run-off and soil erosion.
5. Intercropping: Different crops are grown in alternate rows and are sown at different times
to protect the soil from rain wash.
6. Contour ploughing: Ploughing parallel to the contours of a hill slope to form a natural
barrier for water to flow down the slope.
7. Shelterbelts: In the coastal and dry regions, rows of trees are planted to check the wind
movement to protect soil cover.
Water
●Water is a vital renewable natural resource.
●The ocean water is however saline and not fit for human consumption.
●There is scarcity of water. The reason can be human (scarcity is caused by overexploitation
and contamination of water sources.) and natural (shortage may be a consequence of variation
in seasonal or annual precipitation).
●We can conserve water by reducing (sprinkler systems in farms), reuse (rain water harvesting),
and recycling (water treatment plant-Sonia vihar). We can also take initiative and measures to
conserve water at our individual levels, for e.g. using a bucket for bathing instead of a shower,
closing taps while brushing etc.)
Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
●Forests are our wealth. Plants give shelter to the animals and together they maintain the
ecosystem
●Changes of climate and human interference can cause the loss of natural habitats for the
plants and animals.
●Deforestation, soil erosion, constructional activities, forest fires, tsunami and landslides are
some of the human made and natural factors which together accelerate the process of
extinction of these great natural resources.
●National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves are made to protect our natural
vegetation and wildlife. Conservation of creeks, lakes and wetlands, Stop hunting/ killing of
animals, awareness programs and making relevant laws are ways of conserving the resources.
