Question.
" Soil erosion is creeping death." Explaining the statement, suggest various soil conservation measures.
( UPSC 2024 Geography Optional Paper 1)
Answer.
The statement "Soil erosion is creeping death" highlights the slow yet continuous degradation of soil, which ultimately leads to the loss of fertility, reduced agricultural productivity, and the collapse of ecosystems if not addressed in time.
Soil erosion refers to the removal of the topsoil by agents like water, wind, ice, and human activity. It often goes unnoticed in the short term but has devastating long-term impacts.
Why Soil Erosion Is Called "Creeping Death":
1. Gradual Process:
Unlike floods or earthquakes, soil erosion is a silent and slow process that causes damage over decades.
2. Loss of Fertility:
The topsoil, which contains essential nutrients and organic matter, is washed or blown away, leading to infertile land.
3. Desertification:
Continuous erosion results in land degradation and desertification, making the land unfit for cultivation.
4. Decline in Agricultural Productivity:
Crop yields decrease as the soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient content deteriorate.
5. Impact on Water Resources:
Siltation of rivers and reservoirs due to soil erosion reduces storage capacity and disrupts aquatic ecosystems.
Soil Conservation Measures:
1. Mechanical Measures:
a) Contour Ploughing:
Ploughing along the contour lines reduces runoff and promotes water absorption.
b) Terracing:
Construction of terraces on slopes slows down the speed of water and prevents soil erosion.
c) Check Dams and Bunds:
Built across streams or slopes to reduce water velocity and trap soil.
d) Windbreaks and Shelterbelts:
Rows of trees or shrubs are planted to reduce wind velocity in arid zones.
2. Agronomic Measures:
a) Crop Rotation:
Alternating crops helps maintain soil fertility and structure.
b) Cover Cropping:
Growing crops like legumes during off-seasons protects the soil from erosion and enriches it with nitrogen.
c) Strip Cropping:
Alternate strips of erosion-prone and erosion-resistant crops slow down surface runoff.
d) Mulching:
Use of plant residues to cover soil helps retain moisture and reduce erosion.
3. Afforestation and Reforestation:
Planting trees and grasses on barren and sloping land binds the soil with roots and prevents erosion.
4. Policy and Community-Based Measures:
a) Watershed Management Projects.
b) Soil conservation awareness campaigns.
c) Land use regulation and zoning in fragile areas.
Conclusion:
Soil erosion may not be immediately visible, but its cumulative impact is catastrophic, much like a “creeping death” for the land. Therefore, integrated soil conservation techniques involving mechanical, agronomic, ecological, and community-level approaches are vital to preserve this precious natural resource for sustainable development and food security.
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