Question

Explain briefly the need for conservation of soil as a natural resource.

Answer 1

There is a strong need to conserve soil as an important natural resource because soil degradation leads to several harmful effects, such as:

• Loss of fertile topsoil along with essential minerals
• Decrease in the level of the groundwater table
• Drying up of vegetation and expansion of arid regions, resulting in more frequent droughts and floods
• Accumulation of silt in river and canal beds
• Repeated occurrence of landslides
• Negative impact on economic growth and cultural development