Made by –

Aunj Raut

Krishna Sashank

LAND DEGREDATION

INTRODUCTION

The change in the characteristic and quality of soil which adversely affect its fertility is called as Degradation.

Land degradation is the most important environmental problem currently challenging sustainable development in many parts of the world. The problem is most acute where the environment is intrinsically vulnerable and

where the population is losing control of its own resources.

Land degradation means:

1) Loss of natural fertility of soil because of loss of nutrients.

2) Less vegetation cover

3) Changes in the characteristic of soil.

4) Pollution of water resources from the contamination of soil through which water sweeps into ground or

runoff to the water bodies.

5) Changes in climatic conditions because of unbalance created in the environment.

Causes of land degradation

Deforestation

Soil erosion by wind or water

Mining

Industrialization

Unsustainable agricultural practices

Urban expansion

Deforestation

Soil erosion by wind or water

Industrialization

Urban expansion

Unsustainable agricultural practices

1)

Overgrazing refers to excessive eating of grasses and other green plants by cattle. It results into reduced growth of vegetation,

reduced diversity of plant species, excessive growth of unwanted plant species, soil erosion, and degradation of land due to cattle

movement.

5)

EFFECTS OR IMPACTS INCLUDE:

1. Decline in the chemical, physical and/or biological properties of soil.

2. Reduced availability of potable water.

3. Lessened volumes of surface water.

4. Impacts on livestock and agriculture e.g. loss of animals due to dehydration,

reduced yields.

5. Decline in productivity.

6. Water and food insecurity.

7. Biodiversity loss.

CONSERVATION MEASURES

1. Strip farming:

It is a practice in which cultivated crops are sown in alternative strips to prevent water

movement.

2. Crop Rotation:

It is one of the agricultural practice in which different crops are grown in same area following a rotation system which

helps in replenishment of the soil.

3. Ridge and Furrow Formation:

Soil erosion is one of the factors responsible for

land degradation. It can be prevented by

formation of ridge and furrow during irrigation

which lessens run off.

4. Construction of bunds:

This usually checks or reduces the velocity of

run off so that soil support vegetation.

5. Contour Farming:

This type of farming is usually practiced across the

hill side and is useful in collecting and diverting

the run off to avoid erosion.

Sustainable Land Management

The term SLM can be used to describe the utilisation of terrestrial resources (soils, plants, water, etc.) for the production of goods to satisfy changing human needs, without detriment to the long-term productive potential of these resources and their

environmental functions.

Conclusion

Land degradation occurs because of land

poor management practices. In order to assess

sustainable land management practices, the

climate resources and the risk of climate-

related natural disaster need to be

documented. The use of climate information

must be applied in developing sustainable

practices. There is need to apply sustainable

land management practices in field for conservation of land.