Overview
This lecture focuses on natural resources with an emphasis on land as a resource, covering its classification, utilization, degradation, and conservation methods.
Classification of Resources
- Resources can be classified by origin (biotic/abiotic), exhaustibility (renewable/nonrenewable), utility, and ownership.
- Resource planning involves identification, inventory, qualitative estimation, planning structure, and matching with national development.
Land as a Resource
- Land is a vital natural resource supporting vegetation, wildlife, human activities, transport, and communication.
- Landforms (hills, valleys, plains, wetlands) provide distinct resources for those living on them.
- Sacred groves are land areas protected due to cultural or religious beliefs.
- Careful land use makes it a renewable resource, but misuse turns it nonrenewable.
Land Utilization & Land Use Change
- Land is used for homes, farming, livestock pasture, industry, and urbanization.
- Rapid deforestation is the most damaging land use change, harming biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Long-term loss from deforestation outweighs short-term economic gains.
Legal Aspects and Community Impact
- Laws like the Forest Rights Act 2006 recognize the rights of forest dwellers dependent on land for sustenance agriculture.
- Changing land rights impact livelihoods and require balancing justice and conservation.
Types of Resources (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary)
- Primary resources come directly from nature (e.g., crops, minerals).
- Secondary resources are processed goods (e.g., textiles from cotton).
- Tertiary resources are services (e.g., tourism, hospitality).
Land Degradation
- Land degradation is the deterioration of soil quality or fertility, often from overuse, urbanization, and pollution.
- About 56% of India's land area suffers from some form of degradation.
Effects of Land Degradation
- Destroys soil structure and valuable nutrients.
- Causes waterlogging, increases salinity, alkalinity, acidity, and loss of biodiversity.
- Reduces economic and social value of land.
Causes of Land Degradation
- Growing population increases demand for arable land.
- Urbanization reduces agricultural land and causes deforestation.
- Overuse of fertilizers/pesticides diminishes soil health.
- Topsoil damage and erosion from farming and construction.
- Pollution from industrial waste and waterlogging.
Soil Erosion
- Soil erosion is the removal of the topsoil by wind, water, or human activity.
- More than 5,000 million tons of soil is eroded annually.
Causes of Soil Erosion
- Natural agents: water (rainfall/runoff), wind, and biotic agents (grazing, mining, deforestation).
- Human activities: landslides, construction, road building, dam construction.
Methods of Soil Conservation
- Organic farming increases natural inputs to soil (biofertilizers).
- Crop rotation maintains soil fertility by alternating crops like legumes.
- Strip cropping: planting crops in rows to slow water flow.
- Mulching covers soil with plant residues to prevent erosion.
- Terrace farming converts slopes into step-like fields to reduce runoff and soil loss.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Resource Planning — Systematic process for resource identification, inventory, and optimal use.
- Land Degradation — Decline in soil quality and fertility due to overuse or pollution.
- Soil Erosion — Loss of the upper soil layer through wind, water, or human activities.
- Sustenance Agriculture — Farming for family or local consumption, not for sale.
- Sacred Groves — Protected natural areas with cultural or religious significance.
- Primary Resource — Resource obtained directly from nature.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Revise the land resource section thoroughly.
- Prepare for a test on resources (including origin, classification, planning, and land degradation).
- Read ahead on water, forest, and energy resources for upcoming classes.