Short & Long Questions: Soil Erosion and Conservation | Eureka Plus Class 5: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is soil erosion?
Ans: Soil erosion is when the topsoil is damaged or removed, making the soil less fertile.

Q2: What is the topmost layer of soil called, and why is it important?
Ans: The topmost layer is called topsoil, and it's important for plant growth because it contains humus, making the soil fertile.

Q3: Why does barren land erode faster than land with plants?
Ans: Barren land erodes faster because it lacks plant cover, exposing it to the sun's heat and making it prone to erosion.

Q4: What is afforestation, and how does it help?
Ans: Afforestation is planting trees on barren lands. It helps create new forest-like areas and prevents soil erosion.

Q5: How do cover crops protect farmland?
Ans: Cover crops protect barren land from the sun and wind, preventing soil erosion. Some are also used as cattle feed.

Q6: What is the role of bunds in soil conservation?
Ans: Bunds of stones along river banks act as barriers, preventing river water from washing away fertile soil during the rainy season.

Q7: What does terrace farming aim to prevent?
Ans: Terrace farming aims to prevent soil erosion in hilly regions by reducing water force on slopes.

Q8: Why is the topsoil essential for plant growth?
Ans: Topsoil is essential because it contains humus, making the soil fertile and suitable for plant growth.

Q9: What are shelter belts, and why do farmers grow them?
Ans: Shelter belts are rows of trees along farmland boundaries. Farmers grow them to reduce the force of strong winds, preventing soil erosion.

Q10: What is the main cause of soil erosion in deforested areas?
Ans: Deforestation is the main cause of soil erosion in such areas because it exposes the land to wind and water.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain how soil is formed.
Ans: Soil is formed from rocks through weathering. Initially, the Earth was covered with rocks. Over time, heat from the sun and rain caused rocks to break into small pieces, forming sand, silt, and clay. As plants grew, their remains mixed with the soil, creating fertile soil.

Q2: Why is it important to conserve soil, and what is soil conservation?
Ans: It is important to conserve soil because fertile soil is necessary for farming and maintaining forests. Soil conservation is the prevention of soil erosion. It involves various practices to protect and manage soil to ensure its fertility.

Q3: Describe how terrace farming works and its advantages.
Ans: In hilly regions, terrace farming creates steps on slopes. This reduces the force of rainwater and prevents soil erosion. Advantages include less water force and more efficient water absorption by plants.

Q4: Explain the role of cover crops in farming.
Ans: Cover crops are grown on barren land after harvesting to protect it from the sun and wind. They prevent soil erosion and are often used as cattle feed. Cover crops help maintain the fertility of the soil.

Q5: How do shelter belts contribute to soil conservation?
Ans: Shelter belts, rows of trees along farmland boundaries, reduce the force of strong winds, preventing soil erosion. They act as barriers, protecting the farmland from the impact of wind and flowing rainwater.

Q6: Discuss the natural causes of soil erosion.
Ans: Soil erosion mainly occurs due to wind and flowing water. Strong winds and rainwater wash away the topsoil, making the soil less fertile.

Q7: Explain the process of afforestation and its role in preventing soil erosion.
Ans: Afforestation involves planting trees on barren lands. The roots of these trees bind the soil, preventing soil erosion by stabilizing it. Afforestation helps create new forest-like areas, contributing to soil conservation.

Q8: Describe the impact of overgrazing on soil and its connection to soil erosion.
Ans: Overgrazing by cattle destroys plants and makes the land barren. Without plant cover, the soil becomes exposed to wind and water, leading to soil erosion.

Q9: How does the process of soil formation take place?
Ans: The process of soil formation begins with the weathering of rocks. Heat from the sun and rain causes rocks to break into small pieces. As plants grow and die, their remains mix with the soil, forming fertile soil over time.

Q10: Discuss the advantages of terrace farming in hilly regions.
Ans: Terrace farming in hilly regions reduces the force of rainwater, preventing soil erosion. The steps created by terrace farming also allow rainwater to fill up, promoting more efficient water absorption by plants.