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Land is a finite resource. Land availability is only about 20% of the earth’s surface. Land is crucial for all developmental activities, for natural Resources, ecosystem Services and for agriculture. Growing Population, growing needs and demands for Economic Development, clean water, food and other products from Natural Resources, as well as degradation of land and negative environmental impacts are posing increasing pressures to the land resources in many countries of the world.
India covers an area of 32,87,263 sq km. According to area size, it is the seventh largest country of the world after Russia, Canada, China, U.S.A., Brazil and Egypt. This vast size itself is the most important resource. About 30 per cent of area is covered by the Mountains which are source of scenic beauty, perennial rivers, home of forests and wildlife. About 43 per cent of land area is plain which is highly suitable for agriculture. Remaining about 27 percent under plateaus is the store house of Minerals and metals.
The land-use categories as maintained in the Land Revenue Records are as follows :
(i) Forests : In India, at present forest areas cover about 76.5 million hectares of land, which is about 23 per cent of the total geographical area. It ranges from about 87 per cent in Andaman & Nicobar Islands to only about 4 percent in Haryana making to range difference of 83 percent. According to our National Forest Policy, 33% of the total geographical area of the country should be under the forest cover to maintain ecological balance.
(ii) Land put to Non-agricultural Uses : Land under settlements (rural and urban), Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE (roads, canals, etc.), industries, shops, etc. are included in this category. An expansion in the secondary and tertiary activitieswould lead to an increase in this category of land-use.
(iii) Barren and Wastelands : The land which may be classified as a wasteland such as barren hilly terrains, desert lands, ravines, etc. normally cannot be brought under cultivation with the available technology.
(iv) Area under Permanent Pastures and Grazing Lands : Most of this type land is owned by the village ‘Panchayat’ or the Government. Only a small proportion of this land is privately owned. The land owned by the village panchayat comes under ‘Common Property Resources’.
(v) Area under Miscellaneous Tree Crops and Groves(Not included is Net sown Area) : The land under orchards and fruit trees are included in this category. Much of this land is privately owned.
(vi) Culturable Waste-Land : Any land which is left fallow (uncultivated) for more than five years is included in this category. It can be brought under cultivation after improving it through reclamation practices.
(vii) Current Fallow : This is the land which is left without cultivation for one or less than one agricultural year. Fallowing is a cultural practice adopted for giving the land rest. The land recoups the lost fertility through natural processes.
(viii) Fallow other than Current Fallow : This is also a cultivable land which is left uncultivated for more than a year but less than five years. If the land is left uncultivated for more than five years, it would be categorised as culturable wasteland. (ix) Net Area Sown : The physical extent of land on which crops are sown and harvested is known as net sown area.,
Land is a finite resource, and its development and utilization are essential for human survival. Land is used for a variety of purposes, including agriculture, urban development, Industry, mining, Forestry, Water Resources, recreation, and Protected Areas.
General land use
General land use refers to the overall way in which land is used in a particular area. This can include a variety of activities, such as agriculture, forestry, mining, and urban development. General land use is often determined by the natural characteristics of the area, such as its Climate, Soil, and topography.
Agricultural land use
Agricultural land is land that is used for growing crops or raising Livestock. Agriculture is one of the most important human activities, as it provides us with food and fiber. Agricultural land use can have a significant impact on the Environment, as it can lead to soil erosion, Water Pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Urban land use
Urban land is land that is used for human habitation and economic activity. Urban areas are characterized by high population densities and a mix of land uses, including residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional. Urban land use can have a significant impact on the environment, as it can lead to Air Pollution, water pollution, and Climate Change.
Industrial land use
Industrial land is land that is used for manufacturing, processing, and storage of goods. Industrial areas are characterized by large buildings and heavy machinery. Industrial land use can have a significant impact on the environment, as it can lead to air pollution, water pollution, and Noise Pollution.
Mining land use
Mining land is land that is used for the extraction of minerals, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Mining areas are characterized by large open pits and waste piles. Mining land use can have a significant impact on the environment, as it can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and air pollution.
Forest land use
Forest land is land that is covered by trees. Forests provide a variety of ecosystem services, such as clean air, water, and soil; habitat for wildlife; and recreation opportunities. Forest land use can have a significant impact on the environment, as it can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
Water land use
Water land is land that is covered by water, such as lakes, rivers, and Oceans. Water resources are essential for human survival, as they provide us with drinking water, Irrigation water, and water for industrial and commercial purposes. Water land use can have a significant impact on the environment, as it can lead to water pollution, habitat loss, and climate change.
Recreation land use
Recreation land is land that is used for leisure activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. Recreation land use can have a significant impact on the environment, as it can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and noise pollution.
Protected land use
Protected land is land that is set aside for conservation purposes. Protected areas include national parks, wilderness areas, and wildlife refuges. Protected land use can have a significant impact on the environment, as it can help to protect Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity, water resources, and air quality.
Other land use
Other land use includes a variety of activities, such as transportation, energy production, and waste disposal. Other land use can have a significant impact on the environment, as it can lead to air pollution, water pollution, and land degradation.
The development and utilization of land resources is a complex issue with a variety of environmental implications. It is important to carefully consider the potential impacts of land use decisions before making them.
General land use
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What is land use?
Land use is the human activity of using land for a variety of purposes, including agriculture, housing, industry, and recreation. -
What are the different types of land use?
The different types of land use can be classified into two main categories: urban and rural. Urban land use includes residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional areas. Rural land use includes agricultural, forestry, and rangeland areas. -
What are the impacts of land use on the environment?
Land use can have a significant impact on the environment. For example, agriculture can lead to soil erosion and water pollution, while deforestation can contribute to climate change. -
What are the challenges of land use planning?
Land use planning is the process of developing and implementing policies to manage land use in a sustainable way. The challenges of land use planning include balancing the needs of different land users, addressing environmental concerns, and ensuring that land is used in the most efficient way possible.
Agricultural land use
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What is agricultural land use?
Agricultural land use is the use of land for the production of food, fiber, and other agricultural products. -
What are the different types of agricultural land use?
The different types of agricultural land use can be classified into two main categories: cropland and pastureland. Cropland is land that is used to grow crops, such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. Pastureland is land that is used to graze livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats. -
What are the impacts of agricultural land use on the environment?
Agricultural land use can have a significant impact on the environment. For example, agriculture can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. -
What are the challenges of agricultural land use?
The challenges of agricultural land use include ensuring that food production is sustainable, addressing environmental concerns, and conserving natural resources.
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What is the most common type of land use in the world?
(A) Agricultural land use
(B) Urban land use
(C) Forest land use
(D) Rangeland land use -
Which of the following is not a major type of land use?
(A) Agricultural land use
(B) Urban land use
(C) Forest land use
(D) Water land use -
Which of the following is the most common type of agricultural land use?
(A) Cropland
(B) Pastureland
(C) Orchards and vineyards
(D) Forest plantations -
Which of the following is the most common type of urban land use?
(A) Residential land use
(B) Commercial land use
(C) Industrial land use
(D) Transportation land use -
Which of the following is the most common type of forest land use?
(A) Timber production
(B) Recreation
(C) Watershed protection
(D) Wildlife habitat -
Which of the following is the most common type of rangeland land use?
(A) Grazing
(B) Hunting
(C) Mining
(D) Oil and gas development -
Which of the following is the most common type of water land use?
(A) Navigation
(B) Irrigation
(C) Hydroelectric power generation
(D) Wastewater treatment -
Which of the following is the most common type of land use in the United States?
(A) Agricultural land use
(B) Urban land use
(C) Forest land use
(D) Rangeland land use -
Which of the following is the most common type of land use in Europe?
(A) Agricultural land use
(B) Urban land use
(C) Forest land use
(D) Rangeland land use -
Which of the following is the most common type of land use in Asia?
(A) Agricultural land use
(B) Urban land use
(C) Forest land use
(D) Rangeland land use -
Which of the following is the most common type of land use in Africa?
(A) Agricultural land use
(B) Urban land use
(C) Forest land use
(D) Rangeland land use -
Which of the following is the most common type of land use in Latin America?
(A) Agricultural land use
(B) Urban land use
(C) Forest land use
(D) Rangeland land use -
Which of the following is the most common type of land use in Oceania?
(A) Agricultural land use
(B) Urban land use
(C) Forest land use
(D) Rangeland land use -
Which of the following is the fastest growing type of land use in the world?
(A) Agricultural land use
(B) Urban land use
(C) Forest land use
(D) Rangeland land use -
Which of the following is the most threatened type of land use in the world?
(A) Agricultural land use
(B) Urban land use
(C) Forest land use
(D) Rangeland land use