Land is the most valuable natural resource because it supports agriculture, settlements, forests, and industries. But careless use of land has led to serious problems. One of the biggest issues is land degradation. Understanding this is part of Class 10 Geography, especially in the chapter Resources and Development. In this post by E-book NCERT, we’ll explain what is land degradation class 10th, its causes, and ways to conserve it.
What Is Land Degradation Class 10th?
So, what is land degradation class 10? In simple terms, land degradation means the decline in the quality and productivity of land due to natural or human activities. When soil becomes less fertile and unable to support crops or forests, that is land degradation. According to NCERT, it happens because of deforestation, mining, overgrazing, and improper agricultural practices. This is why it is an important part of land degradation class 10 syllabus.
Causes of Land Degradation Class 10
The main causes of land degradation are:
- Deforestation: Cutting trees reduces soil fertility.
- Overgrazing: Animals eat away vegetation, exposing soil to erosion.
- Mining activities: Creates scars on land, especially in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Over-irrigation: Leads to waterlogging and salinity, common in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.
- Urbanization and industries: Dumping waste harms soil and nearby land.
Land Degradation and Conservation
Now let’s connect the two. Land degradation and conservation are studied together because the solution to degradation lies in conservation. Conservation means protecting and improving land so it can be used in a sustainable way. Without conservation efforts, land quality will keep declining.
How to Conserve Land Degradation Class 10?
Students often ask: how to conserve land degradation class 10? Here are the main measures:
- Afforestation and proper tree plantation.
- Regulated grazing to stop overuse of grasslands.
- Using organic manure instead of chemical fertilizers.
- Terrace farming in hilly areas to reduce soil erosion.
- Proper irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems.
- Treating industrial waste before dumping.
Land Conservation Class 10 (Notes)
Here are quick revision points for land conservation class 10:
- Afforestation: growing more trees.
- Shelter belts: planting rows of trees to stop wind erosion.
- Proper crop rotation to maintain soil fertility.
- Using bio-fertilizers and organic manure.
- Controlling mining activities.
Case Studies / Examples:
- Rajasthan: Overgrazing and desertification are the biggest problems.
- Jharkhand and Odisha: Mining scars degrade land.
- Punjab and Haryana: Over-irrigation causes salinity.
Conclusion
To sum up, what is land degradation class 10th is not just a textbook concept but a real issue India faces. The causes are both natural and man-made, but through proper conservation practices, land can be saved for future generations. At E-book NCERT, you’ll find detailed notes and solutions to make these topics easier for exams.
FAQ on Land Degradation Class 10
Q1. What is land degradation class 10?
Answer: It is the decline in the quality and productivity of land caused by deforestation, mining, overgrazing, and improper irrigation.
Q2. What are the causes of land degradation?
Answer: The main causes are deforestation, overgrazing, mining, industries, and over-irrigation.
Q3. How to conserve land degradation class 10?
Answer: By afforestation, terrace farming, regulated grazing, organic manure, and proper irrigation techniques.
Q4. What is land conservation class 10?
Answer: It means protecting land resources through sustainable practices like afforestation, soil management, and controlled use of natural resources.
