LAnd degradation is the decline in soil quality caused by its improper use, usually for agricultural, pastural, industrial or urban purposes. (a) Deforestation: Deforestation is taking place at a faster rate due to increasing demands of timber, fuel and forest products which results into degradation of land resources.



Activities causing land degradation:

1. Deforestation has caused degradation .

2. Over-grazing is causing land degradation in places like Gujarat, Rajasthan etc.

3. Over-irrigation is a major cause of land degradation which causes water logging leading to increase in salinity and alkalinity of the soil.

Land Degradation:

Land degradation refers to the deterioration or loss of the productive capacity of land, which can occur due to various factors such as deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, desertification, and pollution. It is a significant environmental problem that can have negative impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods.

Measures of Controlling Land Degradation:

Several measures can be implemented to control and mitigate land degradation. These measures aim to restore and sustain the productive capacity of land while promoting sustainable land management practices. Some of the key measures include:

1. Forest Conservation and Reforestation:
- Protecting existing forests and promoting reforestation efforts can help prevent soil erosion, maintain soil fertility, and preserve biodiversity.
- Reforestation programs can involve planting trees in deforested or degraded areas to restore ecosystem functions and stabilize soil.

2. Terrace Farming and Contour Plowing:
- Terrace farming involves creating flat platforms on sloping terrain to reduce soil erosion by slowing down the flow of water.
- Contour plowing is a technique where furrows are plowed across the slope to prevent water runoff and promote water infiltration.

3. Soil and Water Conservation:
- Implementing soil and water conservation measures such as constructing terraces, bunds, and check dams can help control erosion and retain water.
- Conservation practices like mulching, cover cropping, and crop rotation can also improve soil structure and reduce the risk of erosion.

4. Agroforestry and Afforestation:
- Agroforestry combines tree planting with agricultural practices, providing multiple benefits such as improved soil fertility, windbreaks, and shade for crops.
- Afforestation involves establishing new forests on lands that have not been forested for a long time, which helps sequester carbon, prevent soil erosion, and enhance biodiversity.

5. Proper Grazing Management:
- Implementing rotational grazing systems, fencing off sensitive areas, and providing alternative water sources can help prevent overgrazing and reduce soil compaction.

6. Soil Conservation Practices:
- Implementing practices like contour bunding, strip cropping, and no-till farming can help reduce soil erosion, improve water infiltration, and enhance soil fertility.

7. Watershed Management:
- Integrated watershed management approaches, including reforestation, soil conservation, and water management strategies, can help protect and restore the health of entire watersheds.

8. Environmental Education and Awareness:
- Promoting environmental education and awareness programs can help communities understand the importance of sustainable land management and encourage them to adopt appropriate practices.

By implementing these measures and adopting sustainable land management practices, it is possible to control and mitigate land degradation, conserving the productive capacity of land for future generations.