In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?
- 1. Terrace cultivation
- 2. Deforestation
- 3. Tropical climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1 and 2 only
2 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
1. Terrace cultivation: While terrace cultivation is a conservation practice used to reduce soil erosion on slopes, it is associated with *areas where* soil erosion is a problem (hilly and mountainous regions). If done improperly or not maintained, terraces can also fail and contribute to erosion. So, it is associated with the problem contextually and potentially operationally.
2. Deforestation: Removal of forest cover exposes the soil directly to the impact of rain and wind, significantly increasing the rate of soil erosion. Deforestation is a major cause of soil erosion in India, particularly in hilly and forest areas. This is strongly associated with the problem.
3. Tropical climate: Tropical climates often experience intense rainfall events (e.g., during monsoons). Heavy rainfall can cause significant splash erosion and surface runoff, leading to severe soil erosion, especially on unprotected land. The intensity of rainfall is a key factor in soil erosion processes. This is strongly associated with the problem.
Considering the options and the nature of soil erosion, deforestation and intense rainfall associated with tropical climate are direct causes/exacerbating factors. Terrace cultivation is a response practice in erosion-prone areas, and its presence indicates the existence of the problem. Therefore, all three can be considered associated with the problem of soil erosion in India in different ways.
– Intense rainfall typical of tropical climates contributes significantly to soil erosion.
– Terrace cultivation is a farming practice used in hilly, erosion-prone areas, thus associated with the problem geographically.