Question

Mention any two causes of soil erosion in India.

Mention the causes of soil erosion.

Answer 1

1. Heavy Population Pressure on Land: India's forest cover continues to be very low, just *21.54 per cent of the total area. On the other hand, the population continues to rise at a rapid rate and has already crossed the one billion mark in the year 2000. More forests are being destroyed to house and feed the increasing population. The heavy pressure on land is the main cause of soil erosion.
2. Nature of Rainfall: India receives 80 to 90 per cent of rainfall in the monsoon season. Heavy downpour during monsoon months causes floods. In the remaining months droughts are frequent. This affects the soil.

Answer 2

The main causes of soil erosion are:

1. Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by animals destroys vegetation, exposing soil to erosion.
2. Rains and Winds: Natural forces like heavy rainfall and strong winds wash and blow away the topsoil.
3. Water logging: Accumulation of water in soil reduces its fertility and structure, causing erosion.
4. Spread of Desert: Desertification leads to the loss of fertile topsoil.
5. Tillage: Frequent ploughing crushes soil particles increasing its vulnerability.
6. Mining Activities: Removal of minerals and deforestation for mining exposes the soil.
7. Deforestation and Urbanization: Removal of vegetative cover for construction and development disrupts soil retention.