- Terrace cultivation
- Deforestation
- Tropical climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Soil erosion is a gradual process of movement and transport of the upper layer of soil (topsoil) by different erosional agents like water and windOption (b) is correct: In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with deforestation and not with terrace cultivation and tropical climate.
O Deforestation is the permanent removal of trees to make room for something besides forest. This can include clearing the land for agriculture or grazing, or using the timber for fuel, construction or manufacturing. Without plant cover, erosion can occur and sweep the land into rivers. The agricultural plants that often replace the trees cannot hold onto the soil and many of these plants, such as coffee, cotton, palm oil, soybean and wheat, can actually worsen soil erosion.
O Terrace cultivation: It is a method of growing crops on sides of hills or mountains by planting on graduated terraces built into the slope. It is a labour-intensive method. Aims to maximise arable land area in variable terrains and to reduce soil erosion and water loss.
O Tropical climate: Tropical climate with healthy soils can support multiple ecosystem services. Regions in the tropical climate zones suffer the greatest rainfall related soil erosion. But tropical climate in itself is not a cause of soil erosion.