Question

Describe topography as one of the factor which is influencing the agriculture.

Answer 1

1. Physical Factors

Physical factors affecting agriculture are: (i) climate (ii) soil and (iii) topography.

(i) Climate.

Climate plays a dominating role in agriculture. Plants require sufficient heat and moisture for their growth. Normally, regions having maximum temperature of less than 10°C are not suitable for plant growth. In the tropical regions, where temperature is high throughout the year, agriculture is successfully done.

Plant life is not possible in dry areas except that with the help of irrigation. The moisture requirements vary from plant to plant and region to region. In the lower latitudes, where temperature is high, plants need more moisture for their growth (75cm to 100cm).

On the other hand, in the higher latitudes where summers are cool, winds are not dry, rainfall of 50-62 cm is sufficient for plant growth.

(ii) Soils.

The richness of soil is another important physical factor affecting agriculture. Soils differ in respect of physical and chemical composition. Soils may be fine or coarse, porous or non-porous. In general fine soils like loam or silt are very fertile. The chemical composition of the soil determines its productivity