Question 38 from UPSC CSE 2014 - Geography

Question

In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?
1. Terrace cultivation
2. Deforestation
3. Tropical climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 2 only

Strategy: Evaluate each option based on its direct causal link to soil erosion, eliminating those that are preventative or not direct causes.

Key Info: ## Soil Erosion and Contributing Factors

Soil erosion is the removal of topsoil by natural agents such as water and wind. It is a major environmental issue in India, especially exacerbated by anthropogenic activities.

- **Deforestation:** The removal of trees and forest cover leaves soil exposed, increasing its vulnerability to erosion by rain and wind. Roots of trees bind the soil; when trees are cut down, this support is lost, leading to increased runoff and soil erosion. Large-scale deforestation for agriculture, mining, and urbanization in India has significantly accelerated soil erosion, especially in hilly and semi-arid regions.

- **Terrace Cultivation:** This is a soil conservation technique commonly practiced on hill slopes. Terracing involves converting slopes into a series of horizontal steps, which reduces water runoff speed and allows more water to be absorbed into the soil. It is designed to prevent, not cause, soil erosion. Terrace farming is widely used in northeastern India, the Western Ghats, and the Himalayas.

- **Tropical Climate:** While tropical climates may have intense rainfall which can increase erosion risk if land is unprotected, tropical climate by itself is not a cause. Erosion depends on land cover, slope, rainfall pattern, and land management. Many tropical regions with dense forests experience minimal erosion unless disturbed by human activity.

Shifting cultivation on steep slopes without terrace or cover, often accompanied by deforestation, intensifies erosion; but terrace cultivation acts as a mitigation measure.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 1 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 3

In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following? Terrace cultivation Deforestation Tropical climate Select the correct answer using the code given below.

In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?

Terrace cultivation

Deforestation

Tropical climate

Select the correct answer using the code given below.