The correct answer is: All of the above.
Jhum cultivation is a traditional agricultural practice in which farmers clear a piece of land by burning the vegetation, then plant crops on the land for a few years before abandoning it and moving on to a new plot. This practice has been used for centuries in many parts of the world, including Manipur, India.
Jhum cultivation has a number of negative environmental impacts, including soil erosion, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. When the vegetation is burned, the soil is exposed to the elements and can be easily eroded by wind and rain. This can lead to the loss of topsoil, which is the most fertile layer of soil. Deforestation occurs when trees are cleared to make way for new jhum plots. This can lead to a loss of forest cover, which can have a number of negative impacts on the environment, including climate change, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Loss of biodiversity occurs when jhum cultivation destroys habitats for wildlife. This can lead to the decline or extinction of species.
In conclusion, jhum cultivation has a number of negative environmental impacts. These impacts can have a significant impact on the environment and the people who live in the area. It is important to find ways to reduce the negative impacts of jhum cultivation and to find alternative agricultural practices that are more sustainable.
Here are some additional details about each of the options:
- Soil erosion: When the vegetation is burned, the soil is exposed to the elements and can be easily eroded by wind and rain. This can lead to the loss of topsoil, which is the most fertile layer of soil. Topsoil is important because it contains nutrients that plants need to grow. When topsoil is lost, it can take many years for it to be replaced.
- Forest cover: Deforestation occurs when trees are cleared to make way for new jhum plots. This can lead to a loss of forest cover, which can have a number of negative impacts on the environment, including climate change, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Forests play an important role in the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide, regulating the climate, and providing habitats for wildlife.
- Wildlife habitats: Loss of biodiversity occurs when jhum cultivation destroys habitats for wildlife. This can lead to the decline or extinction of species. Wildlife habitats are important because they provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for animals. When wildlife habitats are destroyed, animals can lose their homes and their ability to survive.