Resources and Development

Topics
Classification of soils in India

India's soils are broadly classified into Alluvial, Black, Red, Laterite, Desert, and Mountain soils
based on their origination and characteristics.

Alluvial soils are fertile and found in the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Black soils are rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Red soils are mainly found in peninsular India and are acidic in nature.
Laterite soils are rich in iron and aluminum oxides.

Land degradation due to human activities

Land degradation from human activities refers to the deterioration of land quality due to
unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, mining, and urbanization.

Overgrazing by livestock can lead to soil compaction and erosion, reducing land productivity.
Deforestation for agriculture or logging destroys habitats and leads to soil erosion and loss of
biodiversity.
Urbanization results in soil sealing and soil pollution, rendering land unsuitable for
agriculture.
Improper mining practices can cause soil erosion, contamination of groundwater, and
destruction of land ecosystems.

Land use patterns and land degradation in India

In India, diverse land use patterns range from agriculture to urbanization, leading to widespread
land degradation issues such as soil erosion and deforestation.

Agricultural practices dominate land use, with over 50% of the population engaged in farming.
Urbanization is rapidly increasing, leading to loss of agricultural land and natural habitats.
Soil erosion is a critical issue due to unsustainable farming practices and deforestation.
Efforts to combat land degradation include reforestation projects and sustainable agriculture
practices.

Resource classification based on origin, exhaustibility,

ownership, and status of development

Resource classification considers origin (natural or cultural), exhaustibility (renewable or

nonrenewable), ownership (private or public), and development status (exploited or preserved).

Origin categories include minerals (natural) and artifacts (cultural).

Exhaustibility determines sustainability and includes renewable energy vs. finite minerals.
Ownership denotes legal rights, impacting management and use.
Development status influences exploitation level and conservation efforts.

Soil as a renewable natural resource

Soil is a vital renewable resource for agriculture, providing nutrients for plant growth and
supporting diverse ecosystems.

Soil replenishes through natural processes like weathering and decomposition, making it
renewable over time.
Proper soil management practices, such as crop rotation and cover cropping, can enhance
soil quality and sustainability.
Deforestation and unsustainable farming practices can deplete soil fertility, leading to erosion
and desertification.
Soil conservation measures, like terracing and contour plowing, aim to prevent soil erosion
and maintain its productivity.

Sustainable development and its importance

Sustainable development aims to meet present needs without compromising future generations,
balancing economic, social, and environmental aspects.

It involves integrating environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic growth.

Emphasizes the need for long-term planning and resource management.
Promotes equity and justice to ensure fair distribution of resources.
Encourages community involvement and participation in decision-making processes.

Key Terms
Abiotic resources

Abiotic resources refer to non-living elements of the environment crucial for human survival and
economic activities such as minerals, water, soil, and air.

They are essential components for industrial development and societal progress.
Their extraction and use can have environmental impacts, like pollution and habitat
destruction.
Abiotic resources can be finite, meaning they can be depleted if not managed sustainably.
They are a key focus of study in ensuring resource availability and sustainability.
Alluvial soil

Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of sediments carried by rivers and streams, making it
fertile and suitable for agriculture.

It has good water retention properties.

Common in river valleys.
Often found in regions prone to flooding.
Supports diverse agricultural activities.

Arid soil

Arid soil is characterized by low moisture content, high salinity, and poor fertility, making it
challenging for agriculture and vegetation to thrive.

Lack of precipitation causes arid soils to be highly porous and unsuitable for water retention.
Salts accumulate in arid soils as water evaporates, leading to alkaline properties and limiting
plant growth.
Arid soils are typically found in dry regions with low humidity, such as deserts and semi-arid
climates.
Adapted plant species in arid soil regions often have deep root systems to access sparse
water resources.

Biotic resources

Biotic resources refer to living or organic materials found in nature that can be used by humans
for various purposes.

These resources include plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Forests, fisheries, and agricultural lands are examples of biotic resources.
They are essential for the survival and well-being of human populations.
Proper management of biotic resources is crucial to ensure sustainability.

Black soil

Black soil is a nutrient-rich soil type known for its dark color, high fertility, and ability to retain
moisture, making it ideal for agriculture.

Also referred to as chernozem soil

Found in regions with grassland vegetation
Common in the Midwest United States
Frequently used for growing crops like wheat and corn
Contour Ploughing

Contour ploughing is a method of cultivation that follows the natural shape of the land to prevent
soil erosion and promote water retention.

It involves ploughing perpendicular to the slope contours.

Helps to reduce water runoff and soil degradation.
Promotes soil fertility by enhancing moisture retention.
Commonly used in areas with hilly terrain for sustainable agriculture.

Deforestation

Deforestation refers to the permanent removal of trees and vegetation from an area, leading to
the loss of forest ecosystems and biodiversity.

Deforestation is primarily driven by human activities such as logging, agriculture expansion,

and urbanization.
It is a significant contributor to climate change as trees absorb and store CO2, so their
removal adds to greenhouse gas emissions.
The consequences of deforestation include soil erosion, loss of habitat for wildlife, and
disruption of water cycles.
Efforts to address deforestation involve implementing sustainable forest management
practices, reforestation, and promoting conservation initiatives.

Ecological Balance

Ecological balance refers to the delicate equilibrium within an ecosystem where organisms
interact in a harmonious way to maintain biodiversity and sustainability.

Ecosystems require a balance of various factors like food webs, nutrient cycling, and energy
flow to function properly.
Disruption of ecological balance can lead to a loss of biodiversity, depletion of resources, and
ecosystem degradation.
Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction significantly impact
ecological balance.
Conservation efforts, sustainable practices, and biodiversity protection are crucial for
restoring and preserving ecological balance.

Forest soils

Forest soils are rich in organic matter and nutrients, supporting diverse ecosystems and playing
a vital role in nutrient cycling.

Decomposition of organic material in forest soils enriches the soil with nutrients.
 Forest soils have a thick layer of humus that helps retain moisture and nutrients.
The pH levels of forest soils can vary based on tree species and underlying geology.
Forest soils are susceptible to degradation from factors like deforestation and improper land
management.

land degradation

Land degradation refers to the deterioration of land quality, usually caused by human activities
such as deforestation, overgrazing, and urbanization.

It leads to reduced soil fertility and productivity.

It contributes to desertification and loss of biodiversity.
Prevention strategies include sustainable land management practices.
It has economic, environmental, and social impacts.

Laterite soil

Laterite soil is a type of soil rich in iron and aluminum oxides that forms in hot and wet tropical
areas, resulting in its characteristic red color.

Found in tropical regions with high rainfall.

Low in fertility due to leaching of nutrients.
Hard when dry but soft when wet, making it challenging for construction.
Presence of iron gives the soil a reddish hue.

Non-renewable resources

Non-renewable resources are resources that cannot be replenished or easily replaced within a
human lifetime.

Examples include fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), minerals, and nuclear energy.
These resources are finite and their extraction can lead to environmental degradation and
pollution.
Non-renewable resources contribute to global economic inequality due to their unequal
distribution across regions.
Efforts to find alternative energy sources and promote sustainable use of non-renewable
resources are crucial for meeting future energy demands.

Overgrazing

Overgrazing refers to the excessive grazing of livestock on a piece of land, leading to depletion of
vegetation and soil erosion.

Overgrazing can result in desertification, turning fertile land into barren desert.
 It is a common problem in areas with large herds of livestock and limited grazing areas.
Overgrazing disrupts the natural balance of ecosystems and can lead to the decline of
biodiversity.
Implementing sustainable grazing practices and rotational grazing can help mitigate the
negative impacts of overgrazing.

Red soil

Red soil is characterized by its high iron content, giving it a distinctive reddish color. It is typically
found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Red soil is nutrient-poor and lacks organic matter, making it challenging for agriculture.
The color of red soil comes from the presence of iron oxide or rust.
It is commonly found in areas with a warm climate and high rainfall.
Red soil can be improved for agriculture through the addition of fertilizers and organic matter.

Renewable Resources

Renewable resources are naturally replenished over time, like sunlight, wind, and water, providing
sustainable energy sources without depletion.

Renewables offer a clean energy alternative, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Benefits include energy security and job creation in emerging green industries.
Hydropower, solar panels, and geothermal plants are examples of renewable energy sources.
Sustainable management practices are crucial to ensure continued availability of renewable
resources.

Resource Planning

Resource planning involves strategizing the management and utilization of available resources
to meet projected demands and achieve sustainability.

Requires assessing current resource availability and future demand.

Balances economic, social, and environmental needs.
Involves setting priorities and developing policies for resource allocation.
Utilizes data analysis and forecasting techniques to optimize resource utilization.

Soil erosion

Soil erosion refers to the process of the removal and displacement of topsoil due to natural and
human activities.

Soil erosion can be caused by factors such as water runoff, wind erosion, deforestation, and
improper agricultural practices.
 It can result in the loss of fertile soil, reduced agricultural productivity, increased
sedimentation in rivers, and increased vulnerability to droughts and floods.
Soil erosion is a significant environmental issue that affects both rural and urban areas.
Efforts to prevent or mitigate soil erosion include the use of conservation practices like
terracing, contour plowing, and reforestation.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development aims to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.

It involves balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations.

Sustainability involves long-term thinking and planning.
It promotes the use of renewable resources and minimizing waste.
It encourages equity and social justice in development practices.

Terrace cultivation

Terrace cultivation involves creating flat areas on sloping land to grow crops, allowing for
effective water management and soil conservation.

Used in hilly regions to maximize arable land.

Prevents soil erosion and water runoff.
Has been practiced for centuries in various parts of the world.
Involves building retaining walls and irrigation systems.

Water logging

Water logging occurs when soil becomes saturated with water, leading to an excess amount of
water in the soil that hampers plant growth.

It can be caused by heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems, or high groundwater levels.
Water logging can result in decreased crop yields and loss of agricultural productivity.
Strategies to combat water logging include improving irrigation systems and implementing
proper land grading techniques.
Salt accumulation in the soil due to water logging can further deteriorate soil quality and
harm plant health.

Yellow soil

Yellow soil, characterized by its yellowish color due to iron oxide content, is fertile and found in
regions with warm climates and high precipitation.

Commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Ideal for agriculture due to its fertility and drainage capabilities.
Yellow soil may also indicate the presence of minerals like iron or sulfur.
Can become hard when dry, impacting water absorption and plant growth.