Define Land Degradation

Q. Define land degradation. Explain with causes and control measures

Ans. Natural processes, land uses, or other human actions can reduce or eliminate the biological or economic productivity and complexity of rainfed agriculture, irrigated cropland, range, grassland, forest, or woodlands. Land degradation is caused by human activity, which causes the soil to lose its fertility and quality. This is extremely hazardous to nature and will result in further calamities.

Causes:

1. Deforestation: Because of the increased demand for lumber, fuel, and forest products, deforestation is occurring at a quicker rate, resulting in the degradation of land resources.
2. Overgrazing: Cattle overgraze when eating too many grasses and other green plants. Cattle movement causes reduced vegetation growth, reduced diversity of plant species, excessive growth of undesired plant species, soil erosion, and land degradation.
3. Agricultural Practices: The use of excessive fertilisers and pesticides in modern agriculture has destroyed the natural quality and fertility of the crop ground.
4. Industrialisation: The development of industries for the country’s economic growth leads to excessive deforestation and land consumption to the point where it has lost its natural upgradation quality.
5. Urbanisation: One of the causes of land degradation is population growth and the demand for greater residential areas and commercial sectors.

Control:

1. Strip Farming: It is a method of preventing water movement by sowing farmed crops in alternate strips.
2. Crop Rotation is an agricultural practice in which various crops are cultivated in the same area using a rotation strategy to aid in soil replenishing.
3. Ridge and Furrow Formation: One of the processes that cause lad deterioration is soil erosion. It can be avoided by forming ridges and furrows during irrigation to reduce runoff.
4. Construction of dams: This usually slows or stops runoff so that the soil can support vegetation.
5. Contour farming: This form of farming is common on the hillside and effectively collects and diverts runoff to prevent erosion.