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Questions and Answers
What causes land degradation according to the text?
Over-exploitation of land resources and concretisation
How does the mix of minerals and organic matter affect soil fertility?
The mix of minerals and organic matter helps retain the correct amount of moisture, which determines the fertility of the soil.
What is the role of the C horizon in soil composition?
The C horizon consists of unconsolidated rock material and lacks humus or soil structure.
How has the Indian Council of Agricultural Research classified the soils in India?
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What is the time range for soil formation to occur very slowly?
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What does land degradation refer to?
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What percentage of the world's land area is used for non-agricultural purposes?
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Define arable land based on the text.
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What are permanent crops according to the text?
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Explain the land use category 'other' based on the text.
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What are some of the agents of erosion mentioned in the text?
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What is the consequence of increasing pressure on land according to the text?
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Study Notes
Land Degradation and Soil Composition
- Land degradation is caused by human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices, as well as natural factors like climate change and erosion.
Soil Fertility
- The mix of minerals and organic matter in soil affects soil fertility, with a balanced composition supporting plant growth.
Soil Composition
- The C horizon is the deepest layer of soil composition, characterized by a high concentration of minerals and little organic matter.
Soil Classification in India
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has classified Indian soils into eight categories: alluvial, black, brown, desert, laterite, mountain, red, and saline.
Soil Formation
- Soil formation occurs very slowly, taking thousands to millions of years.
Land Degradation Definition
- Land degradation refers to the decline in the productive capacity of land, resulting in a loss of ecosystem functions and services.
Land Use
- Approximately 30% of the world's land area is used for non-agricultural purposes.
- Arable land is defined as land that is suitable for cultivating crops, making up around 15% of the world's land area.
- Permanent crops are those that are planted once and remain in the soil for several years, such as coffee, fruit, and olive trees.
- The 'other' land use category includes areas like urban, industrial, and recreational spaces.
Erosion Agents
- Agents of erosion mentioned in the text include wind, water, and glaciers.
Consequences of Land Pressure
- Increasing pressure on land leads to a decrease in soil fertility, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
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Description
Create a pie-chart based on the given figures to visually represent the land use pattern in India. Explore the CIA World Factbook data to compare India's land use with global trends, where over four-fifths of the land area is utilized for non-agricultural purposes.
