Long Answer (LA) Type Questions
19. Mention any four characteristics of forest soils.
20. Write a short note on the following topics
(i) Terrace farming (ü) Shelter belt (iii) Forest or mountainous soils
21. How does land get degraded due to human activities?
22. Suggest measures to check soil erosion by rivers.
23. Discuss the basis on which soils are classified in India.
24. Imagine yourself as one of the head of states attending the International Earth Summit at Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. Discuss some measures taken by your country to combat environmental
damage, poverty and disease.
25. Explain the importance of conservation of resources.
26. Describe different ideas put forward for Sustainable Development.
27. Do you think, there will be any impact on human life, if coal supplies get exhausted in next five years:
Answers
19-● The four characteristics of forest soil are-:
☆ these soil are heterogeneous in nature .
☆ there characteristics changes with mountainous , environment and altitude .
☆ it is acidic with low humus content in the snow covered area.
☆ the soil is loamy with slity in vally side and coarse grained in the upper slopes.
20-1.) Terrace farming is a type of farming that consists of different "steps" or terraces that were developed in various places around the world. On each level, various crops are planted. When it rains, instead of washing away all of the nutrients in the soil, the nutrients are carried down to the next level. Additionally, these steps prevent a free flowing avalanche of water that would take plants with it and destroy all of the crops on the hillside. This system also allowed them to build aqueducts, which carried water to each level.
2.) Shelter belts are rows of trees, usually along fence lines. They are planted mainly to protect animals or crops from cold winds, but also to give shade in hot weather. In regions such as Canterbury where there is a lot of cultivated land, shelter belts also reduce wind erosion.
3.) Forest soils form where it is not too hot, and not too cold. The type of soil that forms depends on what type of vegetation grows. Soils that formed under deciduous forests are very fertile and productive agricultural lands because of the decomposing leaves at the soil surface. However, soils formed under pine trees are usually more acidic and sandy, and are less suited to growing crops. Forests are very important, as they store a great deal of carbon in the leaves, trees, and soil, which is why it is important to protect the forests.
21-man interventions which are causing land degradation are (1) deforestation, (2) overgrazing by livestock, (3) mismanagement of agricultural land, (4) overexploitation of the vegetative cover for domestic use, and (5) (bio)industrial activities.Planting trees along river banks.
Building dams and barrages to control the flow and direction of rivers.
Proper utilization of land and water in order to prevent degradation of soil.
Preventing deforestation for erecting buildings near rivers.
22-
19.(i) These soils are heterogeneous in nature, and their character changes with mountainous environment and altitude. (ii) The soils are very rich in humus, but are deficient in potash, phosphorus and lime. (iii) The soils are especially suitable for plantation of tea, coffee, spices and tropical fruits.
20.(a) Terrace farming Terraces are built on steep slopes to control soil erosion. It levels the soil and supports are built to prevent landslides. It requires skill and hard labour to build it. (b) Shelter belts Shelter belts are rows of trees, usually along fence lines. Where there is a lot of cultivated land, shelter belts reduce wind erosion. They reduce wind speed and provide sheltered areas on the leeward (the side away from the wind) and windward (the side toward the wind) sides of the shelterbelt. (c) Forest or mountainous soils It covers 8% of India’s total geographic area. They are loamy and silty and lack humus. They are useful for cultivating tea, spices, coffee and fruits. It is found in lower parts of valleys and hilly regions of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, etc.
21.Human interventions which are causing land degradation are (1) deforestation, (2) overgrazing by livestock, (3) mismanagement of agricultural land, (4) overexploitation of the vegetative cover for domestic use, and (5) (bio)industrial activities.
22.Measures to control soil erosion by rivers:
Planting trees along river banks.Building dams and barrages to control the flow and direction of rivers.Proper utilization of land and water in order to prevent degradation of soil.Preventing deforestation for erecting buildings near rivers.
23.In the Indian Standard Soil Classification System (ISSCS), soils are classified into groups according to size, and the groups are further divided into coarse, medium and fine sub-groups. The grain-size range is used as the basis for grouping soil particles into boulder, cobble, gravel, sand, silt or clay.
24.From 3rd to the 14th of June in the year 1992, Rio de Janeiro hosted the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development to discuss the state of the global environment. It concluded with the Earth Summit, and the leaders of 105 nations attended this conference to show their commitment to sustainable development. These nations Some measures taken by my country are: (i) Introduction of agro-industries or farm industries in the rural areas to provide employment to farmers and labourers. (ii) Introduction of HIV seeds, agricultural machinery, eco-friendly fertilizers to boost the agricultural economy and better production. (iii) Spreading awareness of environmental pollution and other issues like health, sanitation, and diseases among rural and urban areas on a massive level, by rallies, movements, programs, etc. (iv) Building organizations to protect the environment and contribute to the welfare of poverty-stricken areas, the minorities like women children and elderly, providing facilities for healthcare, education and sanitation. (v) Undertaking steps to protect forests and promote deforestation and reforestation, preserve the wildlife of forests by building national parks and biological reserves. (vi) Protect marine life and ocean by curbing disposal of wastes from factories, domestic waste, and litter. Taking steps to prevent oils spill from petroleum platforms. (vii) Marshy Soil: This soil occurs in humid areas with heavy rainfall. It is black in colour and highly acidic. It occurs in Sunderbans of West Bengal, coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Uttrakhand.
25.Conservation of resources are important because we can use it in future and if we conserve our resources our new generation can use it in future and it is the best gift for our new generation. Resources are essential for all kinds of developmental activities. But indiscriminate use of resources and over use of resources may lead to socio-economic and environmental problems. To overcome these problems, resource conservation at various levels is important. E.g., Gandhiji rightly said, There is enough for everybody’s need and not for anybody’s greed.
26.Different ideas put forward for sustainable development are the following: (i) Using LED Bulbs: These bulbs consume less electricity and do not have the dangerous mercury in it. (ii) Using Solar Energy: Solar energy is a natural source of energy that can be conserved.30-Jun-2018
27.Yes, there will be tremendous impact on human life if, coal supplies get exhausted in next five years. This is so because coal is the main source of electricity generation. In absence of coal,it will be difficult to get electricity.