DIRECTIONS: The followingitems consist of two statements, Statement I ...
(a) is correct and statem ent II is the correct explanation of statem ent I .
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DIRECTIONS: The followingitems consist of two statements, Statement I ...
Statement I: The hills with dense vegetation cover do not experience heavy soil erosion.
Statement II: The vegetation cover helps infiltration of rainwater and binding of soils.
The correct answer is option 'A', which states that both statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.
Explanation:
Soil erosion is the process by which soil is moved or displaced from one location to another by the action of wind, water, or other geological factors. It is a major environmental problem that can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil and degradation of land.
Statement I states that hills with dense vegetation cover do not experience heavy soil erosion. This statement is true. Vegetation, especially dense vegetation cover, plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion. The roots of plants hold the soil together, preventing it from being washed away by water or blown away by wind. The leaves, branches, and stems of plants also act as a physical barrier, reducing the impact of raindrops and wind on the soil surface.
Statement II states that vegetation cover helps infiltration of rainwater and binding of soils. This statement is also true. The presence of vegetation cover increases the infiltration rate of rainwater into the soil. The roots of plants create channels and pores in the soil, allowing water to penetrate more easily. This reduces surface runoff and the erosive power of water.
Additionally, the roots of plants bind the soil particles together, increasing its stability and resistance to erosion. The plant roots create a network that holds the soil particles in place, preventing them from being washed or blown away. The plant residues, such as leaves and stems, also contribute to the organic matter content of the soil, improving its structure and stability.
Therefore, both statements are individually true. Statement II provides a correct explanation for Statement I. The presence of dense vegetation cover on hills helps to prevent soil erosion by promoting the infiltration of rainwater and binding of soils.