soil Resources 2s of soils (alluvial, black, red and laterite), Termination, composition and characteristics such a ator, texture, minerals and crops associated, soil Erosion —causes, prevention and conservation. gui is the thin layer of loose mixture of small sock particles and rotting organic matter that fevers the surface of the earth. It supports forests, grasslands and crops from which all jining creatures on earth derive their energy. various forces of nature such as changing temperature, running water and wind affect formation of soil. These forces of nature along with the chemical and organic changes that take place in the soil contribute to the evolution of foil. Thus soil itself, has evolved over millions of years, Faulty agricultural practices, overgrazing and deforestation lead to soil erosion. Improved agricultural practices, reduced pressure of grazing and afforestation can help in the conservation of soils. Constituents of Soil Soils are derived from parent rock material through a process of breakup or wear and tear. Decomposed vegetal and animal remains, called humus, is an important constituent of and adds to the fertility of the soil. Besides humus, silica, clay and sand are the other constituents of soil. Soil Fertility Soil fertility refers to the strength of the soil to support plant life. Fertile soil has the following, characteristics: {i) It contains adequate amount of moisture to supply essential nutrients to the plants. (ii) It has sufficient depth to enable the plants to grow their roots as per their requirement. (ii) It is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, that are necessary for basic plant nourishment. (iv) It contains organic matter that improves the structure of soil. Soil fertility can be improved by adding missing nutrients in the form of fertilizers to the soil. SOIL CLASSIFICATION According to its location, soil can be categorised as: (i) Residual or Sedimentary Soil: Almost all soils are formed ‘in situ’, that is, they are formed in their original position by the breaking up of parent rocks. They have a well defined soil profile. They include black soil, red soil, laterite soil, desert soil, etc. (ii) Transported Soil: These soils are ‘ex situ’, that is, transported by various agents of erosion and consist of sediments carried and deposited by rivers and winds. Hence they do not have a well defined soil profile. Alluvial soils are transported soils. India is a vast region with varied natural environment. We find several physiographicregions and different types of climate. Therefore, a number of soil types have developed here. On the basis of their origin, colour, composition and location the soil of India have been classified into the following types: 1, ALLUVIAL SOIL This soil is formed by the sediments brought down by rivers. It is rich in chemical ingredients. The rivers deposit very fine particles of soil called alluvium in their plains during the course of their long journey. The resultant alluvial soil is also known as riverine soil because it is mainly found in the river basins. It is a mixture of sand, clay and silt, called loam. In India alluvial soils have been deposited by three important river systems — the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. This soil occupies 40per cent of the land area. The entire Northern Plains are made up of this soil. It is also predominant in coastal plains and deltas particularly in the deltas of the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri rivers. On the basis of its age, the alluvial soil is of two types— bhangarand khadar. The bhangar or the older alluvium is composed of lime nodules or kanker and has a clayey composition. The Khadar is light in colour and is composed of newer deposits. Khadar is more fertile than bhangar soil as new layers are deposited year after year during monsoon floods. Crops can be grown on old alluvial soil by using manure. It forms the largest and most important group as it contributes the largest share to the agricultural wealth of India. Distribution I. Inland Attuvium: It is found on the plains of the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra rivers, extending from Punjab and Sindh (Pakistan) to Bangladesh and Assam (India) Eien Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Prag Bihar, West Bengal have alluvial soil, This, type also covers a part of Gujarat and’ Sl patches in Rajasthan, few Il, Deltaic Alluvium: The Dettaic ally found in the deltas of the Ganga-Brahmapan® Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri rivers IIL, Coastal Alluvium: It is of tidal origin It is found in the coastal strips of Peninsulsy | India. It is also found in the plains of Gujarat wvium ig Characteristics of Alluvial Soil | Colour: The colour of the alluvial soil varies from light grey to deep black. Its shades depend on the depth of deposition, the texture of the materials and the time taken for maturity. ‘Texture: Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of the river load as it flows from its upper to its lower course. In the upper reaches of the river valleys (near the place of their origin) the soil is dry, coarse, porous and sandy. It consists of clay and organic matter. Soil particles are large and non-uniform. Such soil is predominant in piedmont plains (plains near the foot of mountains). As we move further down a river valley, the soil particles become smaller and more uniform: They are more compact, less compact and more moist. They are found upto a depth of 500 metres. Minerals * Alluvial soil varies in nature from sandy loam to clay. It is'a fertile soil as it is rich in minerals, especially iron, magnesia, alumina, potash and lime but poor in phosphorous, nitrogen and organic matter. * It is deficient in nitrogen and humus, except the alluvium of the Ganga deltaic region which is rich in humus. * In the drier areas, it is more alkaline. Khadar Soil!t and porous and Crops: Alluvial soil is ligh' suitable for the therefore, easily tillable. It is Sul 7 growth ef a large variety of rabi and khart crops. It is fertile and suitable for cultivation ofrice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, tobacco, Brit and oilseeds. In the lower Ganga-Brahmaputra Valley it is useful for jute cultivation. 2. BLACK SOIL This soil is black in colour and is al: as the Black Cotton Soil or Regur 50 so known It is dark Bee alate ‘Soil Distribution [7] tack son [| RED AN YELLOW SOL. HBR utente sou. Seale 129009000, soe 2 ee OCEAN in colour and is suitable for cotton cultivation. ‘This soil is the residual soil, ie., it is formed at the place of its origin over the underlying rocks. Since it is formed by the denudation of voleanic rocks, it is also known as lava soil. Distribution ‘The Regur soils are concentrated over the Deccan lava tract which include parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and some parts of Tamil Nadu.Characteristics of Regur (Black) Soil Colour: It is black in colour as it is formed from weathered lava rocks. ‘Texture: It is fine textured and clayey in nature (up to 50% clay content) and, therefore, highly retentive of water. Because of high clay content, this soil expands when wet and becomes difficult to plough. During the dry season, it shrinks and develops big cracks which help in air circulation, This characteristic causes a kind of ‘self-ploughing’. Due to slow absorption and loss of moisture, the black soil retains moisture for a very long time which helps the crops, especially, the rain fed ones to sustain even during the dry season. Minerals: It has high quantities of lime, iron, magnesium and generally poor percentage of phosphorous, nitrogen and organic matter. Crops: The soil is very fertile in most of the places. It is suitable for cultivation of cotton, jowar, wheat, linseed, gram, citrus fruits and vegetables, tobacco and sugarcane. In any season it has moisture stored in its subsoil. The moisture retentiveness of black soil makes it suitable for dry farming. 3. RED SOIL Red soil is a category of soil which develops on old crystalline rocks. Under prolonged weathering by rainfall, ancient crystalline and metamorphic rocks of the Peninsular plateau break up to form this soil. This soil differs from place to place on the basis of the parental rock material and climatic conditions. Distribution Red soil forms the second largest soil group in India and is found mainly on the plateau region of Peninsular India from Tamil Nadu in the south to Bundelkhand in the north and Rajmahal Hills in the east to Kutch in the west. Red soil covers almost the whole of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, south-eastern Maharashtra, parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bundelkhand, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Telangana and Nagaland. Scattered patches of red soil are also found in Birbhum (West Bengal), Mirzapur, Jhansi, Banda, Hamirpur (Uttar Pradesh), Udaiput Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Banswara and Bhilwara districts (Rajasthan). It practically encircles the entire black soil region sides. It extends northwards in the we the Konkan Coast of Maharashtra, on ath St along Characteristics of Red Soil Colour: It is red in colour as it contains ig, amounts of iron oxide. At several places, colour slightly changes and it appears brow, or grey. It looks yellow when it occurs in » hydrated form. Texture: It is porous, loose and aerated. generally shallow. Its pH value ranges from 6.6 to 8.0. Minerals: It is poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic matter. It contains soluble salts in small quantities. Crops: It is ideal for dry farming as it is formed in areas with poor rainfall. It is not fertile but responds to fertilizers. It needs irrigation support for cultivation. Though red soil is suitable for cultivating almost all crop types, it is most suitable for growing vegetables, rice, ragi and tobacco. Groundnut and potatoes can be grown on coarse soils at higher levels and sugarcane on heavy clays at lower levels. 4, LATERITE SOIL ‘This soil type is formed as a result of atmospheric weathering of rocks under conditions of high rainfall and temperature with alternate wet and dry periods. It is the residual soil formed by leaching due to tropical rains. Leaching is the process in which the nutrients get percolated down below the soil due to heavy rainfall; thus leaving the topsoil infertile. This is also called desilication. Due to heavy rains, lime and silica are leached away and aluminium compounds are left behind. Humus content of the soil is removed by bacteria that survives well in high temperature. There are two types of laterite soils: Upland Laterites and Lowland Laterites. Upland laterites are formed over hills and uplands. From there they are transported by streams towards lowlands. Such transported soils are known as Lowland Laterites. Distribution a Laterite soil mainly occurs in the highland ‘e Peninsular Plateau, especially of the ant “mits of the Sahyadris, Eastern on the sum: } ¥ae (cr ret Inland alluvi sediments by Haryana, UP, Bihar, West a ee per Bengal pate or ant Meet| Coarse and dry in upper | Re oo, Re and | reaches of the river and | Kharif eropss gets finer and moist as| rice, wheat, Deltaic alluvium in the deltas | the river flows. sugarcane, cf eer eese anmap utr, Rich in minerals cohen, Cea ahanadi, Godavari and oilseeds; i Mebane, + Krishna especially potash and | on Gnga Fee Coastal alluvium along the| Poor in nitrogen and | ranmarasrs i coastal strips of the Peninsula, | humus. on fgiack [Residual soil [Deccan lava tract Clayey. Cotton, cereals, soil _| formed by Maharashtra, Madhya Black in colour, citrus fruits heey of | Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Rich in lime, Magnesium. | 2nd seen Pradesh, Karnataka and parts | Poor in phosphorous, | ‘0baceo. 0 of Tamil Nadu, nitrogen and organic | S¥s@rcane matter. I Very fertile. Red [Prolonged Plateau rogion of Poninsular| Ranges from Sandy to | Vegetables, rice, Jgoil —_| weathering India extending northwards | Clayey. agi, tobacco, of crystalline | along Konkan coast. Red in colour due to | groundnut and rocks. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,| large amounts of iron- | Potators- Differs on the | Andhra Pradesh, South-Fast | oxides basis of parent | Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh,|Deep and fertile in rock material | parts of Odisha, Jharkhand, | iowlands; thin and poor and climatic | Bundelkhand, Meghalaya, | in highlands. conditions. Mizoram, Manipur, Telangana | poor in nitrogen, ; and Nagaland. phosphorus and organic matter. Taterite [Duc to Teaching |Highland areas of Peninsular|Coarse and porous. | Tapioca, Dae to desemin® | Tiateau. Patches in Madhya Red due to Iron Oxide, | ashewnuts. heavy rain. Pinfiech, Odisha, Maharashtra, | poor in lime, nitrogen | With manure ragi, i West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, | on magnesium Fee, sugarcane, eo ane oe Kerala, | igh acidity and low | ‘2s Tubber and pas ee ecen moisture retention. _| Cee: Ghats, Rajmahal Hills and many other hills Texture: It is of a coarse texture, soft and in the eastern parts of the peninsula. Patches _ friable. of laterite soil are found in Madhya Pradesh, —yfinerals: It is a porous soil; silica is removed Odisha, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra from it by chemical action. It is poor in lime Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil and magnesium and deficient in nitrogen. It Nadu and along the top slopes of the peninsular jg acidic in nature as alkalis are leached. It is mountains, the Western and Eastern Ghats. tich in iron oxide and potash. Characteristics of Laterite Soil It is widely cut as bricks and is considered Colour: tt i 7 ence Suitable for construction materials. It is red in colour due to the pres " of iron oxide which is formed by leaching. The Crops: It docs not retain moisture and hence Soluble plant foods like potash are removed is not fertile, It suits only special crops like from the topsoil leaving alumina and iron oxide, tapioca, cashewnuts, tea, coffee, etc. As thelaterite soil has low fertility because of high acidity and low moisture retention, manuring and other activities are required to make it suitable for growing crops such as ragi, rice and sugarcane. Paddy is grown on lower elevations, whereas tea, cinchona, rubber and coffee are grown on higher elevations. SOIL EROSION The removal of the topsoil cover by water, wind and human activities is called soil erosion. Man is responsible for soil conditioning either through agriculture or through pollution like dumping of chemical wastes in water bodies as well as underground. Besides human activity, soils are degraded by nature during drought or fioods. 1. SOIL EROSION BY WATER (i) Sheet Erosion: It occurs on gentle slopes and is the slow removal of a thin layer of soil when vegetation is destroyed. Rainwater washes away the thin layer of bare soils. (ii) Rill Erosion: When sheet erosion continues for long, the silt-laden run-off forms many finger-shaped rills or grooves over a large area. This is called rill erosion. It is the intermediate stage between sheet erosion and gully erosion. (iii) Gully Erosion: During heavy downpour, deep gullies are made on bare soils on account of water run-off. Gully erosion removes nutrients and heavy load of loose soils, making the soil ‘unproductive. It makes water very muddy. This is seen in the Chambal Valley region. (iv) Leaching: After harvesting, farmers leave the soils bare for some time. During rainfall the nutrients in the soil are leached or percolated below the top layer. (v) Sea or Shore Erosion: The tidal waters of the sea cause considerable damage to the soil along the coast. The powerful waves dash against the coast and break hanging cliff rocks. ‘The broken material is then removed by the retreating sea waves. This type of sea erosion is seen throughout the eastern and western "coasts of India. (vi) Stream Bank Erosion: Streams and rivers change their courses by cutting one bank and depositing the silt loads on the other. During flash floods, the damage is accelerated. Stream Bank Erosion is prevalent in the flood plains of Ganga, Yamuna and other rivers. As a result of Stream Bank B,,, large areas of agricultural land in the gy", of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasiy"® Gre getting transformed into ravines, 2, SOIL EROSION DUE TO HUMAN Actig, | (i) The loss of vegetation cover leads to g; mn | Erosion on hilly slopes because wa! instead of sinking into the ground wash. the soil down. In the second stage, in the absence of vegetation cover and washin off of the absorbent topsoil, ris begie to appear on the landscape. In the third stage, the water run off during heavy raing may develop deep grooves causing Gully Erosion. (ii) The Outer Himalayas (the Shiwaliks), the Western and Eastern Ghats are subjected to deforestation by man. These areas also receive heavy monsoon rains. The removal of vegetation cover for different land use ° like railway lines, roads, buildings or even agriculture has caused Sheet, Rill and Gully erosion. In these areas, local population practise shifting cultivation ‘The heavy rains then wash away the bare soil from the slopes to the valleys below. (iii) Another important cause of Sheet, Rill and Gully Erosion is uncontrolled grazing of heey Cycle of Poverty and Soil Erosion 4 Reduced Increasing e Population Land Small degradation Landholding (Soil erosion) Low Production Per Person Non-stinable land management! practices (deforestation overgrazing, ‘unbalanced fertilizer application) To counter this vicious cycle of poverty and soil erosion government agencies need to encourage ())_use of technology for soil conservation; (i) use of high yielding crop varieties; (ii) alternative avenues of livelihood; (iv) limit increase in population.‘e cetic animals in the valleys: and the 7 per slopes: osi0N BY WIND 4, PROT ion refers to the movement and iid ef soil particles by wind. It occurs pst Gevoid of vegetation is exposed to ‘wind. Wind moves soil particles 0.1- vigree ize in bouncing or hopping fashion jgeater than 0.5mm by rolling, The ose Bown as saltation and the latter as w me ep- The particles less than 0.1mm or the cols parties detach into suspension. In fact, ine gosion is most visible in the suspension wipe, as dust storms, or subsequently as su on along fence lines and across roads Wind erosion reduces the productive capacity of soi, as most of the nutrients required by the plants are carried away by the wind. CAUSES OF SOIL EROSION (i) Heavy Population Pressure on Land: India’s forest cover continues to be very low, just °21.54per cent of the total area. On the other hand, the population continues to rise at a _npidrate and has already crossed the one billion mark in the year 2000. More forests are being festroyed to house and feed the increasing population. The heavy pressure on land is the main cause of soil erosion. (ii) Nature of Rainfall: India receives 80 to 90per cent of rainfall in the monsoon season. Heavy downpour during monsoon months causes floods. In the remaining months droughts are frequent. This affects the soils. (iii) Overgrazing: The number of domestic animals particularly the cattle in India is the highest in the world. The cattle freely graze in open lands making them bare of vegetation. Winds carry away dry soil particles from the bare landscape. Thus, soil erosion takes place. many parts of Rajasthan, excessive gra7n8 ty cattle has resulted in the exposure of the _‘opsoil to elements of denudation. 7 (iv) Bad Farming Techniques: The poor = plough Taide in traditional ways. The farming techniques and small size of holdings Teed to soil erosion on a large scale. The absence f terracing, contour cultivation, croP rotation ‘Sources Forest Survey of India Report 2017, and the improper use of manure etc., have caused serious problems of soil erosion. inal’) ToPestaphy: Northeastern parts of India, Shiwaliks and hilly regions in South India are affected by soil erosion because of steep slopes and heavy rainfall. During heavy rainfall, soils are washed away by running water down the slope. (vi) Deforestation: Forests are destroyed so that more land can be used for cultivation. Cutting of trees exposes the soil to water and wind, which leads to soil erosion. REGIONS OF SOIL EROSION In India, soil erosion is one of the great enemies of Indian agriculture responsible for low agricultural productivity. According to an estimate every year rainwater alone washes out 1/8cm thick fertile topsoil. Among the States, Rajasthan comes on the top of the soil eroded regions, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, The worst affected areas include: (i) the badlands of the Chambal and Yamuna rivers; (ii) the piedmont zone of the western Himalayas; (ii) the Chotanagpur plateau region; {iv) the Tapi-Sabarmati valley region in Gujarat; (o) the regur soil area of Maharashtra; and (vi) the dry areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana. PREVENTION 1. Terrace Farming: On hilly slopes, terraces act as bunds and prevent the soil from Strip Croppingbeing washed away by running water. Terrace farming is practised with successful results in Japan, South-East Asia and the USA. 2, Shelter Belts: Farmers plant trees in several rows to check wind erosion. They are known as wind breaks. 3. Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along contours on a slope prevents soil being washed away by rainwater or by surface run off. Contours act like bunds. Terraces are levelled into step-like small fields with even slope. Contour ploughing is common in Japan, China and some South-East Asian countries. 4. Strip Cropping: Crops are grown in alternate strips of land to check soil erosion by water or wind. The crops like hay and wheat are alternated with strip of crops such as corn, soyabeans and cotton. This method helps to prevent soil erosion by having the roots of crops hold on to the soil and prevent it from being washed away by water or wind. 5. Construction of Dams: Rivers cause soil erosion. Dams are built in the upper course of rivers to control erosion of soil. 6. Plugging Gullies: The gullies made in the soil are plugged with deposition of silt during heavy rains. 7. Planting Trees: The trees, like i, of Shelter Belts, are planted along the the fields, the waste land and on steg,£** of to prevent soil erosion as well as to obes the capacity of the soil to retain water "*e SOIL CONSERVATION Soil conservation means prevention of soit o from erosion or prevention of reduced fertil 7 of soil caused by over usage, acidifcatig., salinisation or other types of soil contamination There is an acute need to prevent soi, erosion, because of its adverse effects which include the following: () Loss of fertile topsoil together with its mineral nutrients, from the upper surface lead to gradual loss of soil fertility and agricultural productivity. (ii) Lowering of the water table and decreasing soil moisture. (iii) Drying of vegetation and extension of arid lands leading to an increase in the frequency of droughts and floods. (iv) Silting of river and canal beds. (v) Recurrence of landslides. (vi) Adverse effect on economic prosperity and cultural development. GHEE orcs; ES I. Answer the following question: Q.1 (a) What is the soil? Name the four types of soil (b) State any two factors responsible for the formation of soil. (c) j) How can you say that soil has evolved over millions of years? (ii) Name one important constituent of soil that adds fertility to the soil (d) Give a geographical reason for each of the following: (i) The colour of alluvium varies in different areas. Khadar is more fertile than bhangar soil. (ii) Black soil has a kind of self-ploughing characteristic. Q.2 (a) How are alluvial soils formed? (b) Mention any two advantages of alluvial soil. (©) (i) Why is soil a valuable resource for India? (ii) Why is black soil considered a productive soil? (d) Give a geographical reason for each of the following: () Different regions in India have different kinds of soil for agriculture, (i) Alluvial soils vary in texture. (iii) Nearly all types of crops grow well in riverine soils, 2 ssoji) Name the process i Mi) benon one condensate 2 rma (@) Give a geographical reason for each of the following: {) Deltaic alluvium is more fertile than the onal (i) Black soil is largely found in the Deccan te pert (ii) Black soil is often referred to as Cotton beater peed soil. the two sub- i 4 (a) State categories into is superior to the other? Whe which alluvial soil is generally divided. Which one of them b) What are the characteristics of alluvial soil? (0 () Which soil is suitable for growing coffee in Karnataka? (ii) Mention two main characteristics of this soil 7 (@) Give a geographical reason for each of the following: (i) Laterite soil is useful for construction purpose. (ii) Soils of the Western Ghats are affected by wind erosion. (iii) The foothills of the Himalayas are prone to excessive soil ero: Q5 (a) Name two States in India where Regur soil is found. (0) Give two points of difference between Regur and Alluvial soil. (0) (i) Besides cotton, name the crops which grow well in Regur soil. (i) In what way does Regur soil help agriculture? (4) Give a geographical reason for each of the following: () Jowar is grown in Maharashtra. (ii) Bajra is grown in Rajasthan, (ii) Sugarcane is grown in Uttar Pradesh Q6 (a) Name two states where red soil is found. Mention two important crops grown in this soil. (0) State two advantages of this type of soil. ()_ (i) How is red soil formed? (ii) How is this soil suitable for dry farming? (d) Give a geographical reason for each of the following: ( Black soil is also called lava soil. {i) Red soil is red in colour and its colour varies from yellow to brown. (ii) Jute is cultivated in West Bengal. (@) What is soil erosion? Name the areas of soil erosion in India: (i) for wind erosion. (ji) for running water erosion. (b) Give two methods used to prevent soil erosion. (c) (i) What is meant by soil conservation? (i State two measures to conserve soil in hilly areas. (é) Give a geographical reason for each of the following: {i) Shelter belts reduce soil erosion in arid areas. (i) Rural development will influence soil conservation. (ii) Water harvesting aids in soil conservation.Q.8 (a) How does deforestation lead to soil erosion? (b) State two methods of controlling erosion of soil caused by running water. (c) Name two important agents of erosion. For each, state one method of controlling the erosion causeg (@) Explain briefly the need for conservation of soil as a natural resource Il. Practical Work With the help of a suitable sketch show the action of running water that causes Shect, Rill ang Gully erosion. Il. Thinking Skills Q.1 Suppose you are given two bags of soil, one containing bhangar soil and the other containing khadar soil. But nothing is written on the bags about the soil types. How will you distinguish the two soil types? Q.2 A farmer bought land in an area having poor rainfall, with soil which is suitable for dry farming. Name the type of soil available in this area. Which crops will he be able to grow there? Q.3 Your uncle lives in a hilly area which gets heavy rainfall. He grows certain special crops like tea, coffee, tapioca and cashewnuts. Besides agriculture, he has a brick kiln as the area has ample raw material for making bricks. Name the area where your uncle may be residing. What type of soil is available in this area and how is it formed? You went for an excursion to a mountainous region along with your teachers and classmates. On reaching there you were shocked to see the bare mountains, lacking vegetation and greenery. What reasons did your teacher give for such a deplorable conditions of the mountains and the solutions to rectify the problem. oteNatural Vegetation Importance of Forests Types of vegetation (tropical evergreen, | tropical deciduous, tropical desert, littoral and mountain), distribution and correlation with their ‘environment. Forest Conservation. Natural Vegetation refers to the plant community which has grown naturally without any human assistance and ‘has not been disturbed over a long time, so asto allow its individual species to adjust themselves fully to the climate and soil conditions. Thus, grasses, shrubs and trees, which grow on their own without any human interference, constitute the natural vegetation of an area. There is a difference between flora, vegetation and forest. Flora refers to plants of a particular region or period, listed as species and considered 48 a group. For example, the Eastern Himalayas have about 4000 species of plants which vary with increasing altitude from tropical to temperate and alpine. Vegetation, on the other hand, refers to the assemblage of plant species living in association with each other in a given environmental set- 4“. For example, the redwood forests, coastal mangroves, roadside weed patches, cultivated gardens and lawns, etc., all are encompassed by the term vegetation. ‘The major vegetation ‘yes of the world are grouped as forests, Srasslands, scrubs and tundra. Forest refers to a large tract of land covered with trees and accompanying undergrowth of shrubs, herbs and sustaining thousands of life forms, which include both plants and animals. In legal terminology, a forest is any land with its vegetative cover, that has been so declared under a legal provision. bite) GUO ee) woes ose ess (i) Productive Functions: Various trees provide us with products such as fruits, leaves, roots and tubers of plants. Wood is used for making furniture in houses as well as industrial units, Wood and bamboo pulp are used for manufacturing paper and paper boards. Wood is used indiscriminately as a source of energy for cooking and for providing warmth. Forest products, other than timber and firewood, include fibres, essential oils, oil seeds and edible plants. Bamboos provide a means of livelihood for the tribals who make mats, baskets, ropes, etc., using bamboo. It is also Importance of Forests Natural Vegetation |used in the manufacture of rayon (yarns and artificial silk fibres). (ii) Protective Functions: Forests control the water flow. The thick layer of humus in the forests prevents evaporation of water, The humus, acts as a natural sponge and helps to soak the rain water in the soil. The forest with its complex root system binds the soil thereby preventing soil erosion and loss of nutrients. ‘The thick humus over the years is formed by the decay of forest litter, which increases the fertility of the soil. (iii) Regulatory Functions: The trees utilise carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis. The oxygen released by the trees is used by the animal world. Thus, the trees perpetuate the cycles of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the biosphere. They also regulate the water cycle. The trees absorb water from the ground, release water (during transpiration) into the atmosphere which helps to form clouds and precipitation, which brings water again into the soil, thus completing the water cycle. liv) Accessory Functions: Accessory functions of the trees means that the forests provide habitat for the wildlife. Forests also provide aesthetics and recreation to human beings through National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves. TYPES OF VEGETATION India has a variety of forests and natural vegetation due to variations in climatic conditions, soil types and relief features. The Western Ghats and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are marked with tropical rain forests; the Himalayas have temperate vegetation; the desert and semi-desert regions of Rajasthan have a wide variety of bushes and thorny vegetation; and the Delta regions have tropical forests and mangroves. The country can be divided into five major vegetation regions, which are: (i) Tropical Evergreen; (ii) Tropical Deciduous; (iii) Tropical Desert; (iv) Littoral; and (v) Mountain. 1. Tropical Evercreen or Raw Forests (a) Climatic Conditions: These forests are found in the areas where the annual rainfall ig more than 200cm with a short dry season, average annual temperature is between 25°C ‘Tropical Evergreen Forests and 27°C and average annual humidity exceeg, 77per cent. (b) Distribution: These forests are chiefy distributed in the heavy rainfall areas of the western slopes of the Western Ghats, hills ¢f north-eastern region and the island groups of Lakshadweep, the Andaman and Nicobar and Tamil Nadu coast. (c) Characteristic Features (i) Since this region remains warm and wet throughout the year, it has a luxuriant vegetation of all kinds — trees, shrubs and creepers which give it a mult- layered structure. (ii) Trees reach great heights of more than 60 m. (ii) The carpet layer of herbs and grasses cannot grow because of the dense canopy of trees which do not allow enough sunlight to reach the ground. (iv) The trees in these forests do not have a fixed time to shed their leaves, flower or for fruition. That is why these forests appear green all the year round ‘The main variety of trees found in thest forests include rosewood, ebony, mahogany, 100" | chaplas, sissoo, gurjan, telsur, ete. (d), Economical Value: Tropical Evergree? forests produce various plant species of hig? economic value. The timber produced is har durable and fine-grained. However, due to t mass of canes, palms, bamboos, ferns and climbets along with the lack of means of transport, thes? forests have notbeen fully exploited. aqueINDIAN [1 Tropical Evergr Fl Tropical Dociduous Forests [Tropical Thorn Forests {Ba Mountain Fores Wi Litoral ana Swamp Forests | % OCEAN scueraimee ape pn Natural Vegetation of India 2. Tropica, Decipuous Forests These forests are also known as the monsoon forests. They are the most widespread forests in India. Based on the availability of water, these forests are further categorised into two types: lithe moist deciduous forests; and (il) the dry deciduous forests. The Moist Deciduous Forests 9) Climatic Conditions: Such forests are nd in areas with moderate or low annual Einfall of 100em to 200cm and the mean pinual temperature of 24°C and 27°C and 'nidity percentage of 50 to 80. (}) Distribution: These forests occur in the “eastern part of the Peninsula, along the foothills of the Himalayas and eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. They occupy a sizeable area in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and have an area bigger than the Evergreen forests. (c) Characteristic Features () The trees in these forests shed their leaves from six to eight weeks during spring and early summer when the shortage of water is acute. Further, the sub-soil water is not enough for the trees to keep their leaves all the year around. (i) A particular species can be found over a large area. (iii) They are commercially most exploited * forests of India 101) as‘The common trees of such forests are sal, teak, arjun, shisham, mahua, mulberry, palas, semul and sandalwood. (a) Economical Value: Tropical Deciduous Forests are commercially the most exploited. Besides providing valuable timber, they provide various other products. Sandalwood found in these forests is in great demand in India and abroad. (ii) Dry Deciduous Forests (a) Climatic Conditions: These forests are found in areas having a mean annual temperature of 23°C to 27°C, annual rainfall between 70cmto 100cm and humidity between 51 to 58per cent. (b) Distribution: These forests are found in the rainier parts of the Pennisular Plateau and the plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. (0) Characteristic Features: These forests thrive between moist deciduous forests (in the east) and tropical thorn forests (in the west). On the wetter margins, these forests have a transition into moist deciduous, while on the drier margins they degrade into thorn forests. In the northern Indian plains and in the areas of higher rainfall in the Peninsular Plateau, these forests have open stretches in which teak and other trees are interspersed with patches of grass, During the dry season, the trees in these forests shed their leaves completely and give the forests a look of a vast grassland with naked trees. The common trees of these forests are teak, tendu, sal, rosewood, amaltas, bel, khair, axlewood, etc. (4) Economical Value: The trees’ of these forests provide timber, fruits and other useful products. Large tracts of these forests have been cleared for agricultural activities. 3. Tropica: Desert Forests These are also known as Tropical Thorn Forests. (a) Climatic Conditions: These forests are found in the areas which receive rainfall less than 50cm, the mean annual temperature ranges between 25°C to 27°C and has humidity below 47 per cent. (b) Distribution: These forests are chiefly distributed in south-western Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, central and eastern Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. (c) Characteristic Features: {)) These forests have Xerophytic vegetatin Due to paucity of rainfall, the trees stunted with large patches of coar® grasses. These forests have trees which adapted themselves to survive in drougt like conditions and are called xerophyte For example, the acacia or babool trea have developed long tap roots that eat reach deep, ground water resource, and therefore, can survive drought lige conditions. Further, the acacia trees hays Jong thorns and a symbiotic relationship with stinging ants. These ants live i, the thorns, feed on the nectar produced by the trees and when an animal takes a bite of the leaves, the ants attack the animal. In these forests, plants remain leafless for most part of the year and look like scrub vegetation. The important trees found here include babool or acacia, date palm, ber, khair, neem, khejri, kanju, cactii, Kokko, ete (4) Economical Value: Ber fruit is eaten raw or made into pickle or beverages. Its timber is hard, strong, tough and durable. It is used to make legs for bedsteads, boat ribs, agricultural implements, charcoal, ete. Babool bark and gum have medicinal value. Date Palm is eaten raw and also used as an astringent, as a decoction, syrup or paste for sore throat, cold, fever, etc. Neem bark and roots have medicinal properties. Neem oil, leavesand neem extracts are used to manufacture health and beauty products. It is also used as an insecticide. (i) have Tropical Thorn Forests 2 is4, Litrorat oR TipaL Forests Littoral or Tidal forests are one of the most specialised tropical natural vegetation types, India has a variety of wetland habitats. Wetlands arelands between terrestrial and aquatic system where the water table is usually at or near the surface of land. (a) Climatic Conditions: These forests thrive in areas where temperature remains between 26°C to 29°C and the rainfall is not more than 200em. (0) Distribution: These forests are found in wet marshy areas, in river deltas, in tidal or other swampy areas and along the sea coasts. They are chiefly distributed in the deltas of large rivers on the eastern coast and in pockets on the western coast in saline swamps of Sunderbans in West Bengal and coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. (0) Characteristic Features: of varying density and height, usually associated with wetness. (i) The tree trunks are supported by a number of stilt like roots which remain tide and can be seen during low tide. (ii) They have profuse growth with tangle of climbers, which is an adaptation for survival in soft and shifting mud Pneumatophores. Because of waterlogged conditions, the roots are deprived of oxygen during high tides. So, some mangrove roots extend vertically above (i) They have mainly evergreen species submerged under water during high (iv) These forests have breathing roots called the ground, These vertical roots have Fea + Rosewood is used for making furniture, floor boards, wagon parts, efc, It is used as decorative wood for carving and for making ornamental ply-boards and veneers. + Ebony is used for ornamental carving and for decoration. It is used for inlaying, for making musical instruments, sports goods, piano keys and caskets. * Teak wood is moderately hard, durable and easy to work. It is used for construction purposes, shipbuilding and making furniture, railway carriages, sleepers and bridges. + Sandalwood is used for making statues and ornamental objects. It is also used in making aromatic substances and for extracting sandalwood oil. + Sal wood is very hard, heavy and tough. It is used for making beams, planking and railing of bridges, doors, window posts of houses, railway sleepers, etc. + Palasleaves are used for rearing shellac worms. + Ber is a fruit which is eaten raw or made pickle or beverages. Its timber is hard, strong, tough and durable. It is used to make legs for bedsteads, boat ribs, agricultural implements, charcoal, etc. +, Baboo?’s bark and gum have medicinal value. + Neembark and roots have medicinal properties. It is effective in treating diabetes, allergies, ulcers and several other diseases. Neem oil, leaves and neem extracts are used to manufacture health and beauty products. Neem is also used as an insecticide. + Deodar is a medium weight durable wood. It is used for construction work and for making railway sleepers. It is also suitable for beams, floor boards, ports, window frames and light furniture. Sundari trees provide hard durable timber for construction purposes and boat making. pores which enable the trees to breathe when other roots remain sub merged under water during high tide. The important trees include keora, amur, bhara, rhizophora, screw pines, canes and palms, sundari, agar, etc. Mangrove forests grow along the coasts in the salt marshes, tidal creeks, mud flats and estuaries. They are+ and the Islands they are found in the Vindhyas, Nilgiris cance Western Ghats. (d) Characteriaticn Features: found in the Andaman and Nicobar and West Bengal. Other areas of sig include the Mahanadi, the Godavari and the Krishna deltas. (i) These forests contain mixed species of brong ‘These forests have Sundari trees, after the leafed evergreen trees and conifers, Tht name of which these forests are known as also contain scrubs, creepers and fern, ‘Sunderbans’ in the Ganga Delta. (ii) At the foothills of the Himalayas decidtion, (a) Economical Value: Mangrove trees are forests are found. utilised for fuel whereas sundari trees provide (iif) At an altitude of 1000m to 2000m they hard durable timber. are the moist temperate forests 5. Mounram Forests (iv) In the hilly areas of West Bengal ang 7 Uttarakhand, evergreen broad leafed tr In the mountain regions temperature decreases like chestnut and oak are found. with altitude. This has a corresponding effect on a : (v) Between the altitude of 1500m and 1750m, the natural vegetation of the mountain regions. _(W) Between the Ales tae pine ee (a) Climatic Conditions: These forests important tree. At an altitude of 250m and are found in areas where annual temperature 3000m blue pine and spruce are found is 12°C to 13°C, rainfall is between 100 and (yi) at pigher altitudes, alpine forests and 300em and annual humidity is between 56 alpine grass upto the eniowline are found followed by mosses and lichens. Beyond and 65per cent. (b) Relief: These forests occur at an altitude the snowline no vegetation is found between 1000m to 4000m. (vi) in the Peninsular regions, the area is only (c) Distribution: These forests cover the about 1500m in height and vegetation entire Himalayan zone. In the Peninsular region Varies from tropical to temperate forests Natural Vegetation of India Peo rere cee rt eee ae Eas ae Tropical | Temp: 25°C-27°C | Western slopes of the Western | Rosewood, ebony, mahagony, Evergreen | Rainfall; More than | Ghats, hills of north-eastern |toon chaplas, sissoo, gurjan, region, and the Andaman and | telsur, ete, 200em Nicobar Islands. Tropical | Temp: 24°C-27°C | Northern states along the | Sal, teak, arjun, palas, shisham Deciduous | Rainfall: 100-200cm | foothills of the Himalayas,|mahua, mulberry, semul, eastern slopes of the Western | sandalwood, Ber, ete, Ghats. Punjab, | Babool, date palm, Khair, neem Tropical | Temp: 25°C-27°C | South-western Desert Rainfall: Less Haryana, Utar Pradesh, Central than 50em and eastern Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat Femp: 26°C-29°C_ | Deltas of large rivers on the | Keora, anniny Bharacvhicophow Rainfall: Not more | eastern coast, in pockets on| screw’ pines, cane’ CRZOPHON: than 200em the western coast, in. saline | sundart, metre palms, Littoral swamps of the Sunder West Bengal and coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. ‘Chestnut, oa K. pine, spruce, Mountain |Temp: 12°C-13°C |The Himalayan zone, Rainfall; 100-300em magnolia, laurel, cine wattle, phim, ete, chona,jg is because of their closeness to fesand height of only 1500m above sea at soPire vegetation is temperate in the higher 5¢ ps, and sub tropical on the lower regions of se yestern Ghats, especially in Kerala, Tamil ‘Mey and Karnataka, These temperate forests a alied Sholas in the Nilgris, Anaimalai and pani hills. ‘The important trees found in these forests indude magnolia, laurel, cinchona, wattle, plum, etc. CORRELATION OF THE) FORESTS Pee eeL est AAAI IES orests have an intricate interrelationship with the environment. Forests play a vital role in protecting the environment by performing the following functions: Forests are the moderators of climate. They play an effective role in controlling humidity, temperature and precipitation. © Forests play dominant role in carbon cycle. ‘They absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide and help in maintaining the purity of air and controlling atmospheric pollution. © Forests help in controlling soil erosion, soil degradation and floods. That is why they are very helpful in land reclamation and fiood control. © Forests help in water percolation and thereby maintain underground water table. © Decay of plant leaves provides humus to the soils and increases their fertility. POTS SPO ESSA COD Man has been overexploiting the forests to satisfy not only his needs but also his greed. This has led to a decline in the forest cover. © Due to rapid population growth and the demand for more food, forests have been cleared to convert them into agricultural land. © Forests have been converted into pasture land for expanding dairy farming and cattle ranching. © Overgrazing in the forests by animals in the tropical and sub-tropical regions has resulted into large-scale degradation of natural vegetation. Ever increasing demand for timber for various purposes due to industrial i Sey RS expansion and urbanisation has added to the problem of deforestation. © Construction of multi-purpose river valley projects has led to submergence of land and destruction of forested riversides. All these factors have led to the decline in forests, which have the following effects: (i) Decline in the forests have led to the decline in forest productivity. (ii) Forests influence human environment by moderating climate, regulating water supply, maintaining fertility of soil and purifying air. Absence of forest cover leads to soil erosion which increases load of the rivers. ‘The increased surface load reduces water in the rivers for human use. Siltation causes floods which destroy property, crops and living beings. (iil) Lack of forest cover reduces precipitation, thus causing droughts. (iv) Forests act as a sink for carbon dioxide that the trees use during photosynthesis. The absence of forests increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Thus, increasing greenhouse effect in the atmosphere. This raises the temperature of the earth's surface and of the atmosphere leading to global warming and its harmful consequences. Hence, conservation of forest is of vital importance for the survival and prosperity of human kind. CONSERVATION. MEASURES To arrest deforestation and stop the diversion of forest lands for non-forest uses, the following conservation practices must be undertaken: (i) Increasing the Area Under Forests: Loss of forests can be remedied by a massive programme of tree plantation. Planting trees on degraded lands and land that is unfit for agriculture will not only help in improving the environment but will also relieve harvesting pressure on these forests. (ii) Afforestation around Industrial Units: ‘The level of pollution is much higher in areas where industries are located. For example, in the cities having Iron and Stee! Plants, pollutants generated are more than other cities. This is because during the manufacture of steel, airemissions from the manufacturing plants emit articulate matter, sulphur oxides, nitrogen Peides, hydrocarbons and hydrogen fluoride Chich pollute the air. Besides, these steel ants emit significant dust levels of about Fo kilograms per metric ton of stecl. To prevent pollution, trees are planted around the cities faving Iron and Steel Plants. The trees act as a barrier for the dust and purify the air. (ii) Stopping Indiseriminate Felling of trees: There should be a strict ban on felling of naturally growing trees. If a tree has to be cut, necessary permission has to be obtained. Besides, proper replacement of trees by planting saplings at least in the ratio of 1:10 (1 tree to 10 saplings) should be undertaken. (iv) Establishing Corridors between Different Reserved Forests: Wide corridors should be established in different reserved forests to allow the migration of wild animals. This will also help numerous species of animals to use these corridors for their dispersal and migration. (v) Using Alternative Sources of Energy: In many parts of the world including India, trees are felled for providing firewood. So, in order to conserve forests, we must use non-conventional or renewable sources of energy, like solar energy, tidal energy, hydel energy, etc. (vi) Proper Legislation and its Implementation: Strict laws should be made to check deforestation. Proper care should be taken to see that these laws are strictly implemented. (vii) People’s Participation: Participation of the local community is of utmost significance if any plan has to be enforced since the local Mesa re Afforestation: Planting trees on lands which are not previously covered with forest vegetation. Deforestation: The clearing or thinning of forests by humans for wood, crop land and grazing land, Farm forestry: The practice of growing trees on farm land to produce saleable products like timber, tannin, charcoal, etc, and to provide | Shade and shelter for stock and crops. eek : joint management of forests wi J inhabitants are the ultimate users programmes now involve local e i planning, decision-making and i (viii) Developing badlands an into vegetation belts. ‘ Ommunities jt mpm id barren lanay Darr Nationa, Forest Poucy 2018 Draft National Policy 2018 aims at sustain forest management by incorporating elem ® of ecosystem security, climate change nen hydrology, robust framework to monitor develop forest cover and strengthenisy overall environmental balance, i © The overall objective and goal of th: is to safeguard the ecological balance af livelihood of people, of the present ent future generations, based on sustainail, management of the forests © The country should have a minimum of one-third of the total land area under fores and tree cover and two-thirds in the hills and mountainous regions, This will help » prevent soil erosion and land degradation and ensure the stability of the fragile eco-systems. © Reverse the degradation of forest by takin up rehabilitation without compromising i natural profile. © Checking denudation and soil erosion ia the catchments of rivers and the wetlands through integrated watershed management techniques and practices. © Maintenance of the health of forest vegetation and forest soils for enhancing water suppl through recharge of underground aquifers and regulation of surface water flows. © Manage protected areas and other wildlit rich areas with the primary objective © biodiversity conservation and for enriching other ecosystem services. : © Increase substantially the tree cover eT forests by promoting agro-forestry am \ Policy forestry. Sociat Forestry ection It refers to the management and Prands with forests and afforestation on barren 0g the purpose of helping in the envir social and rural development. a ‘ pase Social forestry is people-oriente ue d, val of th the ™active of satisfying the needs, wants and ‘rations of both the people and the government. braces almost a limitless range of activities ‘ncultivated land and thus, reduces the ressure on the nation’s forest resources, Social Prestry is also known as extension forestry, ‘ed forestry, urban forestry, tree farming, Manamanotsava, recreation forestry, livestock forestry, ete. Most of these names indicate ily of the forest features of Social Forestry. social forestry is forestry for community evelopment. It consists of: obj ite om ¢ restoration, reallocation, reorganisation of existing forest lands for the total development of the land and the people living on it; © joint management of the forest and its production processes; and © developing the socio-economic structure that makes the above two possible. Objectives of Social Forestry The main objectives of Social Forestry, as recommended by the National Commission on Agriculture, include the following: (i) Providing fuel wood, fodder for cattle, timber and minor forest products to rural people. (i) Utilising the available land according to its productive capacity. (ii) Developing local cottage industries by providing raw materials. (iv) Providing efficient conservation of soil and water. (v) Providing employment opportunities to the rural people. (vi) Increasing agricultural production by using cow dung as manure. (vii) Fulfilling the recreational needs of the people. (viii) Improving the aesthetic scene of the area. (ix) Achieving all-round rural development as a part of integrated rural development programme. Acro-ForestRY Agro-forestry is a part of social forestry and represents the intermediate stage between forestry and agriculture. Agro-forestry refers to “the sustainable system of managing a piece of land I through combined production of agricultural crops and forest crops and animal rearing, to ensure the most efficient land use under a management system in accordance with socio-cultural practices of the local people.” Agro-forestry aims to provide conservation of the land and its improvement in order to achieve a combined produce of forest and agricultural crops. Objectives of Agro-Forestry (i) To reduce pressure on natural forests for obtaining timber as well as non-timber forest produce. (ii) To check soil erosion and to maintain the natural fertility of the soil. (ii) To maintain ecological balance along with proper utilisation of farm resources. (iv) To make the best use of all the available resources like land, manpower, livestock, ecological factors, etc., to obtain a variety of forest products such as food, fuel, fodder, livestock, recreation and a variety of forest products sustainably from the same land. Agro-Forestry is different from the traditional forestry in the sense that it is not vulnerable to population stresses. It is created in accordance with the socio-cultural practices of the population. In fact, agro-forestry co-ordinates with local population and reduces the pressure of population on traditional forestry. ‘SusTAINABLE AGROFORESTRY TO Compat Huncer in Inpia Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people lost their jobs and incomes leading to food insecurity among those already vulnerable. Especially impacted were small farmers across India, who face droughts, floods, fluctuating markets, and then a pandemic. One Tree Planted a non-profit tree planting charity that plants trees in countries around the world has partnered with Sustainable Green Initiative (SGI), a local organisation with one objective: to plant (mostly) fruit trees to fight hunger, poverty and climate change. Under this model, fruit tree saplings are distributed for 1-3 years in community lands, homesteads of marginal farmers, government school campuses, orphanages, old age homes etc.‘Trees planted include lemon, guava, custard To date, over 6,500 farm apple, gooseberry, pomegranate, jack fruit, wood in regions reeling under severe dro Mostly apple and tamarind. These native trees produce have benefitted. Planting trees hele tt, ~ a high yield of fruit seasonally or year round. As _ environmental consciousness and susts these trees mature and yield fruit, they ensure in rural communities. 7 food for local people during difficult times. GUE &xercsss EEE I, Answer the following questions: Q.1 (a) What is meant by natural vegetation? (b) Give two points of difference between vegetation and forests. Ss fost, tainability (©) () Name one area where tropical rain forests are found. (ii) Mention two main characteristics of tropical rain forests. (@) Give a geographical reason for each of the following: (i) The Western Ghats are covered with thick evergreen forests while the Eastern Ghats are covered by deciduous forests. (ii) Tropical evergreen forests have tall trees and appear green all the year round, (Gi) Deciduous forests are commercially most exploited Q.2 (a) Give two points of difference between Tropical Evergreen and Tropical Deciduous Forests (0) What are the climatic conditions under which Tropical Evergreen Forests develop? () @ What are the characteristic features of deciduous forests? (ii) Name the two types of deciduous forests. (@) Give a geographical reason for each of the followin, ( Tropical Evergreen Forests are difficult to exploit for commercial purposes, | (i) Delta area of river Ganga is called Sunderbans. (iii) Forests are grown in and around the cities having Iron and Steel Industries, and Thermal Power Plants. Q3 (a) Mention the areas where Tropical Desert Vegetation thrives. (b) Under what climatic conditions do Littoral forests develop? (c) (i) State two characteristic features of tropical desert vegetation. Name two typical tes found here. (i) Why tropical deserts have stunted trees. (4) Give a geographical reason for each of the following: () The forest area has greatly depleted in India. (i) The Tropical Evergreen forests are found on the western slope of (iii) Acacia has long roots. Q4 (a) What are Tidal forests’? Name two typical trees found there. ts (b) Name the type of forests found in the western part of the Western Ghats, Give two Fe why these forests are so named. (¢) Describe the methods of protecting forests under the following heads: () Afforestation. (ii) Using alternative sources of energy. (a) Give a geographical reason for each of the following: (i) Forests constitute an important natural resource. 4 the Western Ghats: ’i) Agro forestry is not vulnerable to population stress. (ii) Tidal forests have profuse growth with tangle of climbers. (a) What is social forestry? (0) Give two points of difference between agro-forestry and traditional forestry. three methods for ; () Mention any three ls for the conservation and devel : : {q) State three objectives of agro-forestry. ‘clopment of forests in India. 5 6 (a) Why does the vegetation in the Himalayas vary with altitude? (b) Why does Tropical Evergreen forests appear dark inside the forests. () Explain how is man responsible for the reduction of forest cover in India, (@) Give a geographical reason for each of the following: () Nilgiri region has variety of vegetation type. (i) Sundari trees are used for boat making and construction purposes. (ii) Littoral forest is also called tidal forest. Q7 (a) Name two areas where Tropical deciduous vegetation is found. (b) Why do the Coniferous trees of mountain forests have conical shape? (c) What is meant by ‘farm forestry’? State two of its advantages. for farmers. (d) Give a geographical reason for each of the following: (i) Littoral forest vegetation has breathing roots. (ii) Forests are often compared to human lungs. (ii) Van Mahotsav is celebrated in our country every year. 1. Map Work 1. On an outline map of India mark the areas having: () Tropical Evergreen. (i) Tropical Deciduous Forests. (iii) Tropical Desert Vegetation. (iv) Mountain Forests. (v) Littoral Vegetation. Ill. Thinking Skills Q.1 You went for a study tour to Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats. On reaching there, you found a luxuriant vegetation of all kinds and evergreen trees. What accounts for such a growth of vegetation? What type of forests did you find in the area? Name any three types of trees found there and their economic importance. You live in an area which is surrounded by the commercially most exploited forests. Which forests are these and why are they most exploited forests in India? Besides your area, where are these forests found? State the climatic conditions required for such forests to flourish. is ‘cture plant based medicines, beauty Imagine that you want to start a factory to manufact icines, . products and toothpastes. Which forest area would you choose in the vicinity of which you can start your factory and why? If given a choice between agro-forestry and traditional forestry, which one will you choose and why?