Chapter 2 – Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources Notes

Content Structure

1. Land
- 1A. Uses of land
- 1B. Conservation of land resource
2. Soil
- 2A. Factors of Soil Formation
- 2B. Degradation of soil & conservation measures
3. Water
- 3A. Problems of water availability
- 3B. Conservation of water resource
4. Natural vegetation and wildlife
- 4A. Distribution of natural vegetation
- 4B. Conservation of Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

1. Land

Land is a very important natural resource that we need to live. But not all land is good for living. Only 30% of the Earth’s surface is land, and even less of it is a home for people, plants, and animals. Places like steep mountains, low areas that flood, and deserts are hard for people to live in. Most people live in plains and near rivers because these places are good for farming and building homes. Fertile soil in these areas helps grow food and makes life easier. It’s hard to live in places that are very hot, very cold, or have too much rain. Dense forests and deserts are also tough to live in because they don’t have what people need, like good soil or water. Some places, like very high mountains or very low valleys, can also be unsafe for people to live in.

1A. Uses of land

Land is used for many purposes, such as farming, and building houses, roads, parks, and playgrounds. How land is used depends on natural features like the shape of the land, soil type, weather, nearby water sources, and the availability of minerals.
The land is classified into two types

Community Land: Land used by the community for shared purposes, such as schools, parks, and hospitals.
Private Land: Land owned by individuals for personal use, such as houses or buildings.

People’s demands are growing but the availability of land is limited. The uses of land depend from place to place. In cities, people build shops, offices, and apartments, which are called urban areas. In villages, land is mostly used for farming, and these are called rural areas.

1B. Conservation of land resource

As people’s needs grow, forests and natural resources are being destroyed. To protect the land, we can plant more trees (afforestation), restore damaged land, and reduce the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides.

2. Soil

Soil is a thin layer on the Earth’s surface made of tiny pieces of rocks, minerals, and the remains of plants and animals. It forms very slowly over many years when rocks break apart through a process called weathering.

Soil helps store water and provides a home for living things like worms, insects, and tiny organisms. These living things keep the soil healthy and help plants grow.

Landslides occur when rocks, soil, or debris move down a slope. This usually happens during earthquakes, floods, or volcanic eruptions. Heavy rainfall over a long period can also cause landslides, which may block rivers and create problems for nearby areas. Landslides can be dangerous because they can damage homes, roads, and other structures.

Mitigation mechanisms are ways to identify the causes of landslides and find ways to prevent or manage them.
A. It helps identify areas prone to landslides, so these areas can be avoided for building homes or buildings.
B. Constructing walls to hold the soil in place and prevent it from sliding down.
C. Growing plants and trees helps keep the soil together, reducing the chance of landslides.
D. Surface drainage system controls landslides by directing rainwater and spring water.

2A. Factors of Soil Formation

The soil and the climate conditions are the main factors in soil formation. Other factors include the shape of the land. The plants and animals and the time it takes for soil to form.

The major factors of soil formation are rocks and climate.

Type of rocks and minerals it originates from,
The climate conditions such as temperature and rainfall,
The shape and steepness of the land,
The presence of plants, animals, and microorganisms that break down organic matter.
The time of the soil has been developing,
Human activities such as farming and construction.

2B. Degradation of soil & conservation measures

Soil erosion and depletion are big problems for the soil. Both people and nature cause damage to the soil. Things like cutting down trees, using too much fertilizer, overfarming, heavy rain, landslides, and floods all harm the soil and make it less healthy.

Some methods of soil conservation are given below:

a. Mulching: The ground between plants is covered with a layer of natural materials like leaves or grass, which helps keep the soil moist.
b. Contour barriers: Stones, grass, and soil are used to build barriers along the slopes of the land. Trenches are dug in front of these barriers to collect water.
c. Rock dam: A rock dam is a barrier made of rocks across the river to block water flow.
d. Terrace farming: Terrace farming is a method of farming where steps are cut into a slope to create flat surfaces for growing crops. Which helps reduce soil erosion and save water.
e. Intercropping: Crops are grown at different times in alternative rows to protect the soil from washing by rain.
f. Contour ploughing: Contour ploughing is the practice of ploughing along the natural curves of the land. It helps soil erosion and save water.
g. Shelter belts: Shelter belts are rows of bushes planted to protect crops and soil from wind.

3. Water

Water is a colourless liquid essential for all forms of life. It covers about 70% of the Earth’s surface, which is why Earth is called the “water planet.” Water is used for drinking, cleaning, farming, and many other daily activities.

Water is found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and other sources. However, ocean water is salty and not safe to drink. Only 2.7% of the water on Earth is freshwater, and an even smaller amount is easily accessible for human use. Because freshwater is very limited, it is important to use it wisely and avoid wasting it.

3A. Problems of water availability

In most parts of the world like West Asia, south Asia, and Northwest Mexico many countries are facing a shortage of fresh water supply.

Some problems of water availability are given below:
a. Increasing human consumption
b. Climate
c. Natural disaster
d. Overuse of water
e. Water pollution

3B. Conservation of water resource

The conservation of water resources means protecting and saving water to ensure there is enough for future generations. This is a major challenge in many parts of the world. Conservation involves using water wisely, avoiding waste, reusing water when possible, and keeping it clean and safe.

4. Natural vegetation and wildlife

Natural Vegetation is the group of plants that grow naturally in a particular area without human help. This includes forests, grasslands, shrubs, and other types of plants, they are found in different parts of the world based on climate and soil.

Wildlife refers to all the animals, birds, and insects that live in nature, not under human care. They live in their natural homes, like forests, oceans, or deserts.

4A. Distribution of natural vegetation

The distribution of natural vegetation means how different plants are found in different parts of the world, the growth of vegetation depends primarily on temperature and moisture.
The main types of vegetation are forests, grasslands, scrubs, and tundra.

Forests grow in places with plenty of water and heavy rainfall, providing a habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals.
Grasslands grow in areas with medium rainfall, where different types of grasses thrive. These areas support animals like deer, zebras, and lions.
Scrubs grow in dry regions with very little rain. The plants here have deep roots and spiny or shiny leaves to store and conserve water.
Tundra plants grow in extremely cold areas with very little rainfall. These plants are small and grow close to the ground to survive harsh winds and freezing temperatures. in very cold places and include mosses, small shrubs, and lichens.

Each type of vegetation grows where the weather and rainfall are just right for it.

4B. Conservation of Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

Conservation of Natural Vegetation and Wildlife means protecting plants, animals, and their homes to keep nature healthy and balanced. We can do this by using farming methods that are safe for the environment, reducing pollution, planting more trees, and stopping deforestation (cutting down too many trees). Creating special areas like wildlife sanctuaries and national parks also helps protect animals and plants. It is important to stop harmful activities like hunting, overgrazing, and cutting trees illegally. Taking care of nature helps all living things survive and keeps the Earth beautiful.

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