2. Environmental Science: Natural Resources part 6
IMPROVEMENTS BROUGHT IN LAND RESOURCES
It is estimated that in our country there has been a slight increase in the net sown area.
About 23 million ha have been added over three decades. This is about 47.7% of total area.
Another 1.3% of the land is under fruit trees. Nearly 5% of the land falls under fallow land.
This land is cultivated once in every 2-3 years. In this way on an average nearly 51% of the
total area, is cultivated every year. Efforts are made to restore the fertility of fallow land
by use of fertilizer and new technology. In view of the rapidly increasing population pressure
on land, meagre pastureland is left. Generally for self-contained economy and proper ecobalance at least one-third of the total land area must be under forest and natural
vegetation. But in our country it is as low as 19.3%. As shown by satellities only about 46
million ha is under real forest. As such it is essential for us to increase our area under
forests.
Integrated Land Use Planning
Although land is an important component of the life support system in our country, it
has been overused and even abused over the centuries. In 1972 Mrs. Indira Gandhi said,
“We can no longer afford to neglect our most important natural resource. This is not simply
an environmental problem but one which is basic to the future of our country.” In a
predominantly agricultural country like India land becomes more important. Due to exploding
population, soil is being used increasingly. It poses a great threat to its productivity because
careless use of soil leads to adverse results as under:
(1) Damage to soil,
(2) Reduction in quality and quantity of woodland, grassland, cropland,
(3) Soil erosion,
(4) Degradation of watersheds and catchments;
(5) Deforestation and desertification.
At present land is under stress due to sprawl in agriculture, industry and urbanization.
India has one of the lowest men: land ratio-hardly 0.48ha/per capita. It is essential to
develop a strategy to cure past damage and to save the country from future damage to land.
This can be achieved by using following means:
It is estimated that in our country there has been a slight increase in the net sown area.
About 23 million ha have been added over three decades. This is about 47.7% of total area.
Another 1.3% of the land is under fruit trees. Nearly 5% of the land falls under fallow land.
This land is cultivated once in every 2-3 years. In this way on an average nearly 51% of the
total area, is cultivated every year. Efforts are made to restore the fertility of fallow land
by use of fertilizer and new technology. In view of the rapidly increasing population pressure
on land, meagre pastureland is left. Generally for self-contained economy and proper ecobalance at least one-third of the total land area must be under forest and natural
vegetation. But in our country it is as low as 19.3%. As shown by satellities only about 46
million ha is under real forest. As such it is essential for us to increase our area under
forests.
Integrated Land Use Planning
Although land is an important component of the life support system in our country, it
has been overused and even abused over the centuries. In 1972 Mrs. Indira Gandhi said,
“We can no longer afford to neglect our most important natural resource. This is not simply
an environmental problem but one which is basic to the future of our country.” In a
predominantly agricultural country like India land becomes more important. Due to exploding
population, soil is being used increasingly. It poses a great threat to its productivity because
careless use of soil leads to adverse results as under:
(1) Damage to soil,
(2) Reduction in quality and quantity of woodland, grassland, cropland,
(3) Soil erosion,
(4) Degradation of watersheds and catchments;
(5) Deforestation and desertification.
At present land is under stress due to sprawl in agriculture, industry and urbanization.
India has one of the lowest men: land ratio-hardly 0.48ha/per capita. It is essential to
develop a strategy to cure past damage and to save the country from future damage to land.
This can be achieved by using following means:
(1) Preparation of accurate land use data through remote sensing etc.
(2) By a time bound nation-wide survey programme of micro-level land use planning
giving short and long-term scenatious.
(3) Preparation of land use classes.
(4) Review all existing legislations and updating them.
(5) Preparation of management plans for land amelioration. It is incumbent upon as
to adopt a dynamic land-use policy. Our Government is not unaware of this all.
Headed by the Prime Minister, the Government has constituted an apex body
called the National Land use and Wastelands Development Council (NLUWDC).
At the second level two boards were set up in 1985 as under:
(1) First National land use and Conservation Board (NLICB) (Ministry of
Agriculture);
(2) Second National Wastelands Development Board (NWDB) (Ministry of Rural
development).
Their working is as under:
(i) Wastelands Development
Wastelands are those pieces of land which for one reason or the other like the life
sustaining potential. Besides earlier existing wastelands increasing misuse of land resources
through shortsighted development policies have resulted into wastelands. Nearly half of the
land area of the country is lying as wasteland. Degraded, mined and other wasteland should
not be left as it is. Instead it should be reclaimed and put to some productive use.
(a) Degraded Land
In view of the incessantly increasing population in India more land is needed for
agriculture and forestry. Good land is shrinking both in quantity and quality. The various
reasons responsible are-unexpected demands besides soil erosion, desertification, waterlogging,
salinity, alkali soil and toxic effects of agrochemicals and industrial effluents.
It is essential to reclaim and develop degraded land such as ravines, gulies waterlogged,
alkaline, saline and riverine lands, lateritic soils, land infested with unwanted shrubs and
bushes, stony and gravelly land etc.
(b) Mined Areas
It is opined that in our-country most mining work has been unscientific with no
environmental protection. As a result, large tracts have lost productivity. Besides water and
air pollution there is despoliation of land and deforestation. Mined areas should be reclaimed
for agriculture, forestry, fisheries and recreation through standard methods of reclamation.
A number of mining operations are going on affecting forest and cultivated land areas
mainly in U.P. Bihar, M.P., Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. Urbanisation and allied processes
like large-scale use of land for townships, communication, excavation and transport affected
the socio-economy and ecology of these areas. Consequently, Ecological problems have
developed in coal mine areas in Ranchi, Hazaribagh (Bihar), Bina Project (U.P.) and Singrauli
complex at Gorbi (U.P.) and Jayanto (M.P.) Ranchi several hundred of sq. km. of land has
become wasteland. In Singrauli complex forests and hillocks are damaged by the construction
(2) By a time bound nation-wide survey programme of micro-level land use planning
giving short and long-term scenatious.
(3) Preparation of land use classes.
(4) Review all existing legislations and updating them.
(5) Preparation of management plans for land amelioration. It is incumbent upon as
to adopt a dynamic land-use policy. Our Government is not unaware of this all.
Headed by the Prime Minister, the Government has constituted an apex body
called the National Land use and Wastelands Development Council (NLUWDC).
At the second level two boards were set up in 1985 as under:
(1) First National land use and Conservation Board (NLICB) (Ministry of
Agriculture);
(2) Second National Wastelands Development Board (NWDB) (Ministry of Rural
development).
Their working is as under:
(i) Wastelands Development
Wastelands are those pieces of land which for one reason or the other like the life
sustaining potential. Besides earlier existing wastelands increasing misuse of land resources
through shortsighted development policies have resulted into wastelands. Nearly half of the
land area of the country is lying as wasteland. Degraded, mined and other wasteland should
not be left as it is. Instead it should be reclaimed and put to some productive use.
(a) Degraded Land
In view of the incessantly increasing population in India more land is needed for
agriculture and forestry. Good land is shrinking both in quantity and quality. The various
reasons responsible are-unexpected demands besides soil erosion, desertification, waterlogging,
salinity, alkali soil and toxic effects of agrochemicals and industrial effluents.
It is essential to reclaim and develop degraded land such as ravines, gulies waterlogged,
alkaline, saline and riverine lands, lateritic soils, land infested with unwanted shrubs and
bushes, stony and gravelly land etc.
(b) Mined Areas
It is opined that in our-country most mining work has been unscientific with no
environmental protection. As a result, large tracts have lost productivity. Besides water and
air pollution there is despoliation of land and deforestation. Mined areas should be reclaimed
for agriculture, forestry, fisheries and recreation through standard methods of reclamation.
A number of mining operations are going on affecting forest and cultivated land areas
mainly in U.P. Bihar, M.P., Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. Urbanisation and allied processes
like large-scale use of land for townships, communication, excavation and transport affected
the socio-economy and ecology of these areas. Consequently, Ecological problems have
developed in coal mine areas in Ranchi, Hazaribagh (Bihar), Bina Project (U.P.) and Singrauli
complex at Gorbi (U.P.) and Jayanto (M.P.) Ranchi several hundred of sq. km. of land has
become wasteland. In Singrauli complex forests and hillocks are damaged by the construction
Kinds of Soil Erosion
There are various types of soil erosion. However, on the basis of the rate at which soil
loss takes place, there are two main types of soil erosion:
(1) Normal or geologic erosion
This type of soil erosion occurs under normal natural conditions by itself without any
interference of man. It is a very slow process, and equilibrium between loss and build up
is lost, only when there is some major disturbance by a foreign agent.
(2) Accelerated soil erosion
This type of removal of soil is very rapid and never keeps pace with the soil formation.
This is generally caused by an interference of an agency like man and other animals.
There are various types of soil erosion. However, on the basis of the rate at which soil
loss takes place, there are two main types of soil erosion:
(1) Normal or geologic erosion
This type of soil erosion occurs under normal natural conditions by itself without any
interference of man. It is a very slow process, and equilibrium between loss and build up
is lost, only when there is some major disturbance by a foreign agent.
(2) Accelerated soil erosion
This type of removal of soil is very rapid and never keeps pace with the soil formation.
This is generally caused by an interference of an agency like man and other animals.
Individuals Role in Conservation of Natural Resources
An individual can play his role in the conservation of natural resources as under:
1. Soil Conservation
An individual can play a vital role in conservation of soil. Main principles of soil
conservation are as under:
(1) To Protect soil from impact of raindrops.
(2) To Slow down the water movement if it flowed along the slope.
(3) To slow down the water from moving down the slope in narrow path.
(4) To encourage more water to enter the soil.
(5) To increase the size of soil particle.
An individual can play his role in the conservation of natural resources as under:
1. Soil Conservation
An individual can play a vital role in conservation of soil. Main principles of soil
conservation are as under:
(1) To Protect soil from impact of raindrops.
(2) To Slow down the water movement if it flowed along the slope.
(3) To slow down the water from moving down the slope in narrow path.
(4) To encourage more water to enter the soil.
(5) To increase the size of soil particle.
(6) To reduce the wind velocity near the ground by growing vegetation cover, ridging
the land etc.,
(7) To grow the strips of stubble or the vegetation cover which might catch and hold
the moving particles of soil.
Keeping in view the above said principles an individual may adopt several methods to
prevent the loss of soil during its erosion.
Methods of Conservation
Various methods of soil conservation may be broadly arranged into the following types:
(1) Biological Methods
Conservation achieved by the use of plan vegetation cover the following:
(i) Agronomic Practices: In areas with normal farming, where vegetation itself is used
for soil protection.
(ii) Dry Farming: In areas with low and moderate rainfall, where normal farming is
not possible.
(iii) Agrostological Methods : In areas which are suitable for successful growth of grasses
used as soil binders to check soil erosion.
(2) Mechanical Methods
Conservation achieved by supplementing the biological methods with a view to increase
the time of concentration of water, to reduce the velocity of water, or afford protection
against damage due to run off:
(i) Basin Listing: To construct small basins along the contours.
(ii) Contour Terracing: To construct small basins along the slope to intercept and
divert the runoff water.
(3) Other Methods
Conservation achieved by purely mechanical method including construction as under:-
(i) Gully Control: Formation or widening of gullies.
(ii) Stream Bank Protection : To grow vegetation alongside construction of drains stone
pitching etc.
(iii) Afforestation: To check the velocity of wind by tree plantation (windbreads).
2. Less exploitation of Resources
We must bear in mind that resource exploitation and pollution are two faces of the
same coin since exploitation of resources in one place can become environmental degradation
either in the same place or in a remote area. We are aware of the adverse effects on the
ocean harvest, which are often caused by man’s activities on land. Thus, biocides and persistent
inorganic pesticdes, which are used to increase crop yields on land, lead to decrease the
yields of fish and other proteins from the oceans. Increasing use of biocides for boosting
carbohydrate yields on land is likely to lead to such high increase in their concentration in
the oceans as to significantly reduce its productivity.
the land etc.,
(7) To grow the strips of stubble or the vegetation cover which might catch and hold
the moving particles of soil.
Keeping in view the above said principles an individual may adopt several methods to
prevent the loss of soil during its erosion.
Methods of Conservation
Various methods of soil conservation may be broadly arranged into the following types:
(1) Biological Methods
Conservation achieved by the use of plan vegetation cover the following:
(i) Agronomic Practices: In areas with normal farming, where vegetation itself is used
for soil protection.
(ii) Dry Farming: In areas with low and moderate rainfall, where normal farming is
not possible.
(iii) Agrostological Methods : In areas which are suitable for successful growth of grasses
used as soil binders to check soil erosion.
(2) Mechanical Methods
Conservation achieved by supplementing the biological methods with a view to increase
the time of concentration of water, to reduce the velocity of water, or afford protection
against damage due to run off:
(i) Basin Listing: To construct small basins along the contours.
(ii) Contour Terracing: To construct small basins along the slope to intercept and
divert the runoff water.
(3) Other Methods
Conservation achieved by purely mechanical method including construction as under:-
(i) Gully Control: Formation or widening of gullies.
(ii) Stream Bank Protection : To grow vegetation alongside construction of drains stone
pitching etc.
(iii) Afforestation: To check the velocity of wind by tree plantation (windbreads).
2. Less exploitation of Resources
We must bear in mind that resource exploitation and pollution are two faces of the
same coin since exploitation of resources in one place can become environmental degradation
either in the same place or in a remote area. We are aware of the adverse effects on the
ocean harvest, which are often caused by man’s activities on land. Thus, biocides and persistent
inorganic pesticdes, which are used to increase crop yields on land, lead to decrease the
yields of fish and other proteins from the oceans. Increasing use of biocides for boosting
carbohydrate yields on land is likely to lead to such high increase in their concentration in
the oceans as to significantly reduce its productivity.
3. Control over Population Increase
We should aim at striving for an optimum instead of maximum, sutainable population size
on Earth, and to arrive at the optimum figure after due consideration of the complex environmental
problems. The optimum size permits long-term persistence of the population in equilibrium with
its environment. The optimum represents that stage when any further addition of more members
would result in deterioration of the quality of like of those already present.
4. To Make An Integrated and Holistic Approach in Tackling Environmental Problem
Environmental strategies and programmes must be based on a thorough analysis of
technical and economic factors as well as of social and political dimensions of the
environmental problem. Such an approach includes an analysis of balance of political forces
besides issues of livelihood for disadvantaged groups.
5. Increase in the Plant Cover
The plant cover is essential for the maintenance of the soil in a balanced and healthy
state. Over-exploitation of forests and deforestation practices lead to soil erosion with the
topsoil washing down the stream. It results in the ruin of soil fertility. We are annually
losing millions of tons of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium through soil erosion. Nearly
5,000 million tons of soil are being annually lost by water erosion, and the loss of valuable
nutrients in this way often reaches colossal proportions. It is estimated that thousands of
acres of arable soil are also being rendered unfit for farming due to salinity and alkalinity
problems. Here it may be mentioned that the Green Revolution has further generated some
newer problems of soil fertility depletion, mineral nutrient imbalances, agricultural residues,
etc. In some parts of Punjab for instance, paddy straw of the high-yielding rice variety IR-
8 is found responsible for the deterioration in health of cattle because of its abnormally high
content of certain mineral salts.
6. Proper Use of Water
Agricultural use of soil is linked with the use of water which is required for irrigation. Much
progress has been achieved in the large-scale storage of water in Dams and Reservoirs for agricultural
use and for generation of hydroelectric power, but economy in its use is paid no heed. We must
remember that policies directed toward the maximum economic yield from a fixed amount of
water will result in maximum conservation and also that planning for the maximum use of water
ought to be correlated with planning for the optimum use of land resources.
7. Proper Irrigation for Soil Conservation
The land resources of India have been increasingly degraded. Excessive unplanned canal
irrigation without proper drainage and water management has resulted in seepage, water
logging and salinity. Seven million hectares are already affected and another ten million are
threatened. About 150 million hectare area suffers from wind and water erosion. This results
in the loss of valuable topsoil. Rising water tables is also responsible for increasing salinization
of farm lands. Soil erosion causes premature silting up on many reservoirs and tanks.
8. Proper Use of Wood
Our country is gifted with a fairly considerable potentiality for increasing the supply
of such renewable resources as forests and forest products that could substitute for some of
We should aim at striving for an optimum instead of maximum, sutainable population size
on Earth, and to arrive at the optimum figure after due consideration of the complex environmental
problems. The optimum size permits long-term persistence of the population in equilibrium with
its environment. The optimum represents that stage when any further addition of more members
would result in deterioration of the quality of like of those already present.
4. To Make An Integrated and Holistic Approach in Tackling Environmental Problem
Environmental strategies and programmes must be based on a thorough analysis of
technical and economic factors as well as of social and political dimensions of the
environmental problem. Such an approach includes an analysis of balance of political forces
besides issues of livelihood for disadvantaged groups.
5. Increase in the Plant Cover
The plant cover is essential for the maintenance of the soil in a balanced and healthy
state. Over-exploitation of forests and deforestation practices lead to soil erosion with the
topsoil washing down the stream. It results in the ruin of soil fertility. We are annually
losing millions of tons of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium through soil erosion. Nearly
5,000 million tons of soil are being annually lost by water erosion, and the loss of valuable
nutrients in this way often reaches colossal proportions. It is estimated that thousands of
acres of arable soil are also being rendered unfit for farming due to salinity and alkalinity
problems. Here it may be mentioned that the Green Revolution has further generated some
newer problems of soil fertility depletion, mineral nutrient imbalances, agricultural residues,
etc. In some parts of Punjab for instance, paddy straw of the high-yielding rice variety IR-
8 is found responsible for the deterioration in health of cattle because of its abnormally high
content of certain mineral salts.
6. Proper Use of Water
Agricultural use of soil is linked with the use of water which is required for irrigation. Much
progress has been achieved in the large-scale storage of water in Dams and Reservoirs for agricultural
use and for generation of hydroelectric power, but economy in its use is paid no heed. We must
remember that policies directed toward the maximum economic yield from a fixed amount of
water will result in maximum conservation and also that planning for the maximum use of water
ought to be correlated with planning for the optimum use of land resources.
7. Proper Irrigation for Soil Conservation
The land resources of India have been increasingly degraded. Excessive unplanned canal
irrigation without proper drainage and water management has resulted in seepage, water
logging and salinity. Seven million hectares are already affected and another ten million are
threatened. About 150 million hectare area suffers from wind and water erosion. This results
in the loss of valuable topsoil. Rising water tables is also responsible for increasing salinization
of farm lands. Soil erosion causes premature silting up on many reservoirs and tanks.
8. Proper Use of Wood
Our country is gifted with a fairly considerable potentiality for increasing the supply
of such renewable resources as forests and forest products that could substitute for some of
the scarce non-renewable resources. As such, it is advisable to substitute wood and wood
products for the non-renewable fuel and energy sources, as has been commonly practiced in
villages since times immemorial. Wood has certain advantages as fuel. As compared to coal,
its sulphur content and ash content are very low. The ash which is left, can be used as a
fertilizer. Wood and vegetable fibres might also some day furnish us certain primary organic
chemicals. In our country and other tropical countries wood residues may profitably be
converted into liquid and gaseous fuels. This can relieve, to some extent the problem of
scarcity of large-scale exploitable oil and coal resources, which are non-renewable ones.
9. Substitution of Biomass for Petroleum Product
Biomass conversion has unique advantages over other commonly used energy
technologies. Unlike petroleum or coal, biomass resources are renewable. Conversion of
municipal and industrial wastes into useful fuels will serve two purposes as with it:
(i) The energy supplies are increased, and
(ii) The environment is cleaned up.
Biomass is amenable to genetic manipulations and is flexible through crop switching.
Biomass encompasses wood chips, sawdust, maize stalks, other vegetable matter, municipal
and organic wastes.
10. Fuel Alcohol from Biomass
Ethanol and methanol can be used as fuels or may be blended with petrol and used in
a spark type internal combustion engine. These alcohols can be produced from biomass and
agricultural residues, etc.
11. Use of Solar Energy
Solar thermal systems are the best developed and simplest of the solar technologies. It
is proved that Solar energy can be gainfully conserved by suitable architectural designs that
gainfully exploit the site and building materials to turn a building into a solar collector. In
Active solar thermal systems the basic unit is the solar collector- a panel commonly made
of aluminium, glass, plastic and copper. When fitted to a roof, these panels absorb direct
sunlight and transfer heat to a fluid that passes through the collector. The fluid flows
through pipes into the building where it is used to heat water or warm the rooms. The solar
cell is a device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. Photovoltaics (solar cells)
generate an electromotive force in a material as a result of its absorbing ionizing radiation.
Solar cells have already proved their usefullness in the space exploration programme.
Solar cells successfully developed at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Trombay, Bombay,
have been tested in the satellite Bhaskara. They have successfully met part of the power
requirement aboard.
EQUITABLE USE OF RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE TO LIFE STYLE
Introduction
Man has a great responsibility to render equitable use of resources capable of inducing
significant alternations in the environment either intentionally or inadvertently. He is capable
of altering the basic functioning of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and the whole
products for the non-renewable fuel and energy sources, as has been commonly practiced in
villages since times immemorial. Wood has certain advantages as fuel. As compared to coal,
its sulphur content and ash content are very low. The ash which is left, can be used as a
fertilizer. Wood and vegetable fibres might also some day furnish us certain primary organic
chemicals. In our country and other tropical countries wood residues may profitably be
converted into liquid and gaseous fuels. This can relieve, to some extent the problem of
scarcity of large-scale exploitable oil and coal resources, which are non-renewable ones.
9. Substitution of Biomass for Petroleum Product
Biomass conversion has unique advantages over other commonly used energy
technologies. Unlike petroleum or coal, biomass resources are renewable. Conversion of
municipal and industrial wastes into useful fuels will serve two purposes as with it:
(i) The energy supplies are increased, and
(ii) The environment is cleaned up.
Biomass is amenable to genetic manipulations and is flexible through crop switching.
Biomass encompasses wood chips, sawdust, maize stalks, other vegetable matter, municipal
and organic wastes.
10. Fuel Alcohol from Biomass
Ethanol and methanol can be used as fuels or may be blended with petrol and used in
a spark type internal combustion engine. These alcohols can be produced from biomass and
agricultural residues, etc.
11. Use of Solar Energy
Solar thermal systems are the best developed and simplest of the solar technologies. It
is proved that Solar energy can be gainfully conserved by suitable architectural designs that
gainfully exploit the site and building materials to turn a building into a solar collector. In
Active solar thermal systems the basic unit is the solar collector- a panel commonly made
of aluminium, glass, plastic and copper. When fitted to a roof, these panels absorb direct
sunlight and transfer heat to a fluid that passes through the collector. The fluid flows
through pipes into the building where it is used to heat water or warm the rooms. The solar
cell is a device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. Photovoltaics (solar cells)
generate an electromotive force in a material as a result of its absorbing ionizing radiation.
Solar cells have already proved their usefullness in the space exploration programme.
Solar cells successfully developed at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Trombay, Bombay,
have been tested in the satellite Bhaskara. They have successfully met part of the power
requirement aboard.
EQUITABLE USE OF RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE TO LIFE STYLE
Introduction
Man has a great responsibility to render equitable use of resources capable of inducing
significant alternations in the environment either intentionally or inadvertently. He is capable
of altering the basic functioning of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and the whole
biosphere. The most essential basic attribute of most environments is that they are multidimensional systems of complex relationships in a continuing state of change. It is also
generally recognized that the loss of life caused by such calamities as floods, droughts,
cyclones and earthquakes, is largely due to the quality of natural environments as well as
mankind’s misdeeds.
Cragg (1970) has highlighted the link between conservation and quality of human
environment. Cragg advocates a study of the biogeochemical cycles disturbed by man. He
has pointed out many hazards arising from the recent marked increases in the CO2 content
of the atmosphere and similar decreases in oxygen level of natural water bodies. He has
warned against the present evil practices. If precautions were not observed in time, the
earth would not remain inhabitable.
Cragg has listed the following basic arguments for conservation:
(a) Maintenance and perpetuation of environmental quality
(b) Aesthetic considerations;
(c) Food production;
(d) Preservation of gene pools and germplasms;
(e) Ecological diversity.
Methods for Equitable Use of Resources
The following methods may be suggested:
1. Equitable Use of Soil
It is due to our misdeeds that many of our once-fertile soils have been converted to
agriculturally unfit alkaline or saline lands or marshlands. More than 25 million hectares
of such barren lands are now estimated to be distributed throughout the world.
Soil constitutes a biogeochemical shell around land and shallow waters. Recent increases
in the pace of industrialization, urbanization and other activities of of civilized man have
exerted a tremendous impact not only on the soils but also on other components of the
biosphere. Unplanned destruction of forests and forest litter has brought about serious
changes both in land and water. The washing-off of fine soil particles from deforested areas
has caused considerable soil erosion. There has also been a great increase in run-off, pollution,
turbidity and mineralization in rivers and extensive silting in water reservoirs. It is essential
to take a recourse to contour and strip farming, a network of forest plantations in clumps
and rows, a regular sowing of grass in crop rotations, the preferential use of organic, rather
than inorganic, manures, etc. The use of organic manure is especially desirable since it
tends to preserve the quality of soil and also their humus content.
Steps should be taken to safeguard soils from exogenous chemical substances, mineral
fertilizers, pesticides, etc. Heavy doses of the wrong kind of inorganic fertilizer have often
resulted in creating excessive acidity or alkalinity in the soil, and the indiscriminate use of
pesticides and fungicides has caused adverse effects on soil. Efforts should be made to
restore the fertility of the fallow lands by use of fertilizers and new technology. The forested
land in India is below the scientific norm. Normally for self-contained and proper ecobalance, at least, one-third or the total land area must be under forest and natural vegetation.
In India it is as low as 19.3%. We must increase our area under forests.
generally recognized that the loss of life caused by such calamities as floods, droughts,
cyclones and earthquakes, is largely due to the quality of natural environments as well as
mankind’s misdeeds.
Cragg (1970) has highlighted the link between conservation and quality of human
environment. Cragg advocates a study of the biogeochemical cycles disturbed by man. He
has pointed out many hazards arising from the recent marked increases in the CO2 content
of the atmosphere and similar decreases in oxygen level of natural water bodies. He has
warned against the present evil practices. If precautions were not observed in time, the
earth would not remain inhabitable.
Cragg has listed the following basic arguments for conservation:
(a) Maintenance and perpetuation of environmental quality
(b) Aesthetic considerations;
(c) Food production;
(d) Preservation of gene pools and germplasms;
(e) Ecological diversity.
Methods for Equitable Use of Resources
The following methods may be suggested:
1. Equitable Use of Soil
It is due to our misdeeds that many of our once-fertile soils have been converted to
agriculturally unfit alkaline or saline lands or marshlands. More than 25 million hectares
of such barren lands are now estimated to be distributed throughout the world.
Soil constitutes a biogeochemical shell around land and shallow waters. Recent increases
in the pace of industrialization, urbanization and other activities of of civilized man have
exerted a tremendous impact not only on the soils but also on other components of the
biosphere. Unplanned destruction of forests and forest litter has brought about serious
changes both in land and water. The washing-off of fine soil particles from deforested areas
has caused considerable soil erosion. There has also been a great increase in run-off, pollution,
turbidity and mineralization in rivers and extensive silting in water reservoirs. It is essential
to take a recourse to contour and strip farming, a network of forest plantations in clumps
and rows, a regular sowing of grass in crop rotations, the preferential use of organic, rather
than inorganic, manures, etc. The use of organic manure is especially desirable since it
tends to preserve the quality of soil and also their humus content.
Steps should be taken to safeguard soils from exogenous chemical substances, mineral
fertilizers, pesticides, etc. Heavy doses of the wrong kind of inorganic fertilizer have often
resulted in creating excessive acidity or alkalinity in the soil, and the indiscriminate use of
pesticides and fungicides has caused adverse effects on soil. Efforts should be made to
restore the fertility of the fallow lands by use of fertilizers and new technology. The forested
land in India is below the scientific norm. Normally for self-contained and proper ecobalance, at least, one-third or the total land area must be under forest and natural vegetation.
In India it is as low as 19.3%. We must increase our area under forests.
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