LAND RESOURCE

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LAND RESOURCE 

 
 
 

Land resources refer to the natural resources found on the Earth's surface, including soil, minerals, water, and vegetation. These resources are essential for various human activities, such as agriculture, mining, construction, and urban development. Land resources are finite and must be managed sustainably to ensure their availability for future generations. Sustainable land management involves balancing the needs of people and the environment while maintaining the productivity and health of the land.

  • Soil: Soil is a vital land resource that supports plant growth and provides essential nutrients for agriculture. It is composed of minerals, organic matter, water, and air. Soil erosion, degradation, and contamination are significant threats to soil health and productivity. Sustainable soil management practices, such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and organic farming, can help protect and improve soil quality.
  • Minerals: Minerals are naturally occurring substances found in the Earth's crust. They are used in various industries, such as mining, construction, manufacturing, and energy production. Sustainable mineral extraction practices, such as responsible mining and recycling, are essential for minimizing environmental impacts and conserving mineral resources.
  • Water: Water is a critical land resource that supports life and various human activities, such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use. Sustainable water management practices, such as water conservation, watershed management, and water recycling, are essential for ensuring water availability and quality.
  • Vegetation: Vegetation, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health and providing habitat for wildlife. Sustainable forest management, conservation of biodiversity, and restoration of degraded ecosystems are essential for preserving vegetation resources.
  • Land Use: Land use refers to the way land is utilized for various purposes, such as agriculture, urban development, transportation, and conservation. Sustainable land use planning and management are essential for balancing competing land uses, minimizing conflicts, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of land resources.
  • Land Degradation: Land degradation, including soil erosion, desertification, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, is a significant threat to land resources. Sustainable land management practices, such as reforestation, soil conservation, and restoration of degraded lands, are essential for combating land degradation and restoring ecosystem health.
  • Land Ownership and Tenure: Land ownership and tenure systems influence land use patterns and resource management practices. Sustainable land governance, including secure land tenure rights, equitable access to land, and participatory decision-making processes, is essential for ensuring sustainable land management and equitable distribution of land resources.

Sustainable land management is essential for conserving and managing land resources effectively, ensuring their availability for future generations, and promoting the well-being of people and the environment.

 

1. Land-use

Land use refers to the human activities that take place on the land's surface and the way land is utilized for various purposes. These activities can include agriculture, forestry, urban development, transportation, mining, conservation, and recreation. Land use is influenced by factors such as climate, topography, soil fertility, water availability, and human population density.

  • Agriculture: Agriculture is the primary land use activity and involves the cultivation of crops and raising livestock for food, fibre, and other products. It includes practices such as crop rotation, irrigation, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
  • Forestry: Forestry involves the management and conservation of forests for timber production, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem services. It includes practices such as selective logging, reforestation, and forest conservation.
  • Urban Development: Urban development refers to the construction and expansion of cities and towns, including residential, commercial, and industrial areas. It includes practices such as land zoning, infrastructure development, and urban planning.
  • Transportation: Transportation involves the construction and maintenance of roads, railways, airports, and other infrastructure for the movement of people and goods. It includes practices such as road construction, bridge building, and public transportation systems.
  • Mining: Mining involves the extraction of minerals, metals, and other valuable resources from the earth's crust. It includes practices such as surface mining, underground mining, and mineral processing.
  • Conservation: Conservation involves the protection and preservation of natural resources and ecosystems. It includes practices such as habitat restoration, wildlife management, and protected area management.
  • Recreation: Recreation involves the use of land for leisure and enjoyment, such as parks, playgrounds, and outdoor activities. It includes practices such as park management, trail maintenance, and recreational facilities.

Land use is a complex and dynamic process that is influenced by a variety of factors, including economic, social, and environmental considerations. Sustainable land use planning and management are essential for balancing competing land uses, minimizing conflicts, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of land resources.

 

 
2. Land capability classification

Land capability classification is a system used to assess the suitability of land for various types of land use based on its physical and environmental characteristics. This classification helps in land use planning and management by identifying the most appropriate uses for different areas of land. The classification system typically considers factors such as soil type, slope, drainage, climate, and vegetation cover.

The classification is usually divided into several categories or classes, each representing different levels of suitability for specific land uses. These classes may include:

  • Class I: Land with very few limitations, suitable for intensive agriculture, urban development, and other high-intensity land uses.
  • Class II: Land with moderate limitations, suitable for agriculture with some management practices, forestry, and low-density urban development.
  • Class III: Land with moderate to severe limitations, suitable for less intensive agriculture, grazing, and some types of forestry.
  • Class IV: Land with severe limitations, suitable for grazing, forestry, and wildlife habitat, but not suitable for intensive agriculture or urban development.
  • Class V: Land with very severe limitations, suitable only for limited grazing, wildlife habitat, and conservation purposes.
  • Class VI: Land with extreme limitations, unsuitable for most types of land use except for conservation and preservation purposes.

Each land capability class is further subdivided into subclasses to provide more detailed information about the specific limitations and potential uses of the land. Land capability classification is a valuable tool for land use planners, policymakers, and landowners to make informed decisions about how to best manage and utilize the land while minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring long-term sustainability.

 

3. Causes of Land Degradation

Land degradation refers to the deterioration of the land's natural and productive capacity due to various human and natural factors. Some of the main causes of land degradation include:

  • Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and other purposes leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and reduced water retention capacity.
  • Soil Erosion: The removal of topsoil by wind, water, or human activities such as agriculture and construction leads to reduced soil fertility, decreased crop yields, and increased sedimentation in water bodies.
  • Overgrazing: The excessive grazing of livestock on grasslands leads to soil compaction, loss of vegetation cover, and degradation of rangeland ecosystems.
  • Agricultural Practices: Unsustainable agricultural practices such as monoculture, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, and poor irrigation management contribute to soil erosion, soil compaction, and loss of soil fertility.
  • Urbanization: The expansion of cities and towns leads to the conversion of agricultural land and natural habitats into built-up areas, resulting in loss of soil, vegetation, and biodiversity.
  • Mining: The extraction of minerals and other resources from the earth's crust leads to habitat destruction, soil contamination, and land subsidence.
  • Climate Change: Changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events due to climate change can exacerbate land degradation by increasing soil erosion, desertification, and flooding.
  • Water Scarcity: The depletion of groundwater and surface water resources due to over-extraction, pollution, and climate change leads to reduced water availability for agriculture and other land uses.
  • Pollution: The discharge of industrial, agricultural, and urban waste into the environment leads to soil and water pollution, reducing the land's productivity and ecological health.
  • Land Use Change: The conversion of natural habitats such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands into agricultural, urban, and industrial areas leads to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation.

Addressing land degradation requires a combination of sustainable land management practices, conservation efforts, and policy interventions to protect and restore the land's natural resources and ecological functions.

 

4. Impact of Land Degradation

Land degradation has significant impacts on the environment, society, and economy. Some of the key impacts of land degradation include:

  • Loss of Biodiversity: Land degradation leads to the destruction and fragmentation of habitats, resulting in the loss of plant and animal species. This loss of biodiversity can disrupt ecosystems and reduce their resilience to environmental changes.
  • Soil Erosion: Soil erosion, a common consequence of land degradation, leads to the loss of fertile topsoil, reduced soil fertility, and decreased crop yields. This can have serious implications for food security and agricultural productivity.
  • Desertification: Land degradation can lead to the expansion of arid and semi-arid areas, resulting in desertification. This can have severe consequences for local communities, including loss of livelihoods, displacement, and increased vulnerability to droughts and other climate-related disasters.
  • Water Scarcity: Land degradation can lead to reduced water retention capacity, increased runoff, and decreased groundwater recharge. This can exacerbate water scarcity, particularly in areas already facing water stress.
  • Loss of Ecosystem Services: Land degradation can result in the loss of important ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, water purification, and flood regulation. This can have negative impacts on human well-being and the economy.
  • Increased Vulnerability to Climate Change: Land degradation can increase the vulnerability of communities to climate change by reducing the land's ability to absorb and store carbon, regulate temperature, and provide natural buffers against extreme weather events.
  • Economic Losses: Land degradation can lead to economic losses for communities dependent on agriculture and natural resources. This can result in reduced incomes, increased poverty, and decreased economic growth.
  • Social Disruption: Land degradation can lead to social disruption, including displacement of communities, loss of cultural heritage, and conflicts over land and resources.

Addressing land degradation requires a holistic approach that integrates sustainable land management practices, conservation efforts, and policy interventions. This includes promoting sustainable agriculture, restoring degraded land, protecting natural habitats, and strengthening land governance and land tenure systems.

 

5. Steps taken by GOI

The Government of India has taken several steps to address land degradation and promote sustainable land management. Some of the key initiatives and programs include:

  • National Action Programme to Combat Desertification (NAP): India has developed a National Action Programme to Combat Desertification (NAP) to address land degradation and desertification. The NAP focuses on sustainable land management, soil conservation, afforestation, and capacity building.
  • National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP): The NLRMP aims to modernize land records and improve land governance in India. It includes initiatives such as computerization of land records, digitization of cadastral maps, and establishment of a national land records database.
  • National Afforestation Programme (NAP): The NAP aims to increase forest cover and promote afforestation in degraded and non-forest land. It includes initiatives such as the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), which focuses on afforestation, reforestation, and forest conservation.
  • Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP): The IWMP aims to promote sustainable land management and improve water availability in rainfed areas. It includes initiatives such as watershed development, soil conservation, and water harvesting.
  • National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): The NMSA aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices and improve soil health. It includes initiatives such as soil health cards, organic farming, and conservation agriculture.
  • National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): The NMCG aims to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga river basin. It includes initiatives such as afforestation, soil conservation, and riverbank protection.
  • National Mission for Sustainable Habitat (NMSH): The NMSH aims to promote sustainable urban development and improve land use planning. It includes initiatives such as urban green spaces, sustainable transportation, and waste management.
  • National Mission for Himalayan Studies (NMHS): The NMHS aims to promote research and development in the Himalayan region. It includes initiatives such as land use planning, biodiversity conservation, and disaster risk reduction.

These initiatives and programs are part of the government's efforts to address land degradation and promote sustainable land management in India. However, there is a need for greater coordination and integration of these efforts to achieve meaningful results.

 

6. Sustainable Land Management

Sustainable land management (SLM) refers to the use of land resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves the integration of environmental, social, and economic considerations to ensure the long-term productivity and resilience of land resources.

Key principles of sustainable land management include:

  • Conservation and restoration of ecosystems: SLM aims to conserve and restore ecosystems to maintain their biodiversity, productivity, and resilience. This involves protecting natural habitats, restoring degraded lands, and promoting sustainable land use practices.
  • Sustainable land use practices: SLM promotes sustainable land use practices that minimize environmental impacts and enhance the productivity and resilience of land resources. This includes practices such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and integrated watershed management.
  • Soil conservation and fertility management: SLM focuses on soil conservation and fertility management to maintain soil health and productivity. This involves practices such as soil conservation, organic farming, and soil nutrient management.
  • Water conservation and management: SLM promotes water conservation and management to ensure the sustainable use of water resources. This includes practices such as water harvesting, irrigation efficiency, and watershed management.
  • Biodiversity conservation: SLM aims to conserve biodiversity by protecting natural habitats, promoting sustainable land use practices, and restoring degraded lands. This helps to maintain ecosystem services and support sustainable development.
  • Climate change adaptation and mitigation: SLM includes measures to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change on land resources. This involves practices such as climate-smart agriculture, reforestation, and carbon sequestration.
  • Community participation and empowerment: SLM emphasizes the importance of community participation and empowerment in land management. This involves engaging local communities in decision-making processes, promoting traditional knowledge and practices, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Sustainable land management is essential for promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, and ensuring the long-term health and productivity of land resources. It requires a holistic and integrated approach that takes into account the complex interactions between environmental, social, and economic factors.

 

Previous Year Questions

1. Consider the following statements: (upsc 2023)

Statement-I: The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter.

Statement-II: The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: A

2. The vegetation of Savannah consists of grassland with scattered small trees, but extensive areas have no trees. The forest development in such areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions. Which of the following are such conditions? (upsc 2021)

  1. Burrowing animals and termites
  2. Fire
  3. Grazing herbivores
  4. Seasonal rainfall
  5. Soil properties

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2        (b) 4 and 5     (c) 2, 3 and 4             (d) 1, 3 and 5

Answer: C

Mains

1. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.  (upsc 2021)
2. What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of the water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. (upsc 2021)
3. In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India? (upsc 2017)
4. The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain.  (upsc 2016)
 
 
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