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File Revision Date : 1 July 2019

CBSE Previous Year Exams Questions Exam 2019-2020
CLASS : 10th
CHAPTER 2.1
SUB : Social Science
Unit 2 : Contemporary India - II
For 15 Years Exams Chapter-wise Question Bank
visit www.cbse.online or whatsapp at 8905629969

Resources and Development

ONE MARK QUESTIONS 11. Which soil types is made up of lava flows? [2014]
Ans :
Black soil.
1. Classify resources on the basis of origin.
Ans : [2018] 12. In which states has mining caused severe land
degradation? [2014]
On the basis of origin resources are classified as biotic Ans :
and abiotic resources.
Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and
2. Give one difference between renewable and non- Odisha.
renewable resources. [2017]
Ans : NO NEED TO PURCHASE ANY BOOKS

Renewable: Replenished by nature and may be For session 2019-2020 free pdf will be available at
overused e. g., crops and plants. www.cbse.online for
Non-renewable: which get exhausted after years of 1. Previous 15 Years Exams Chapter-wise Question
use. e.g, crude oil. Bank
2. Previous Ten Years Exam Paper (Paper-wise).
3. Give an example of non-renewable resources. [2017]
3. 20 Model Paper (All Solved).
Ans :
4. NCERT Solutions
Coal/Minerals. All material will be solved and free pdf. It will be
4. What are resources which are found in a region but provided by 30 September and will be updated regularly.
have not been utilised called? [2015]
Ans : 13. What is the percentage share of plains in the total
Potential resources. land area?
Ans : [2014]
5. Which resources are surveyed and determined on the
basis of their quantity and quality for utilisation? 43%.
Ans : [2014] 14. What is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?
Developed resources. Ans : [2014]
6. Give examples of abiotic resources. [2014] Over irrigation.
Ans : 15. In which states is black soil found?
Rocks and metals. Ans : [S.P. 2014, 2015]
7. Give examples of biotic resources. [2014] Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh
Ans : and Chhattisgarh.
Human beings, flora, fauna, fisheries, livestock, etc. 16. Which soil is ideal for growing cotton?
8. Which relief features of India has 30 percent of the Ans : [S.R 2014, 2015]
total surface area of country? [SR 2014] Regur soil.
Ans :
17. In which states overgrazing is responsible for land
Mountain. degradation? [2015]
9. Which cold desert is relatively isolated from the rest Ans :
of the country? [SR 2014] Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and
Ans : Maharashtra.
Ladakh 18. In which states laterite soil is found? [2015]
10. Which regions of India have well developed terrace Ans :
farming? [2015] Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh,
Ans : and hilly areas of Odisha and Assam.
Western and central Himalayas 19. Which soil type is the result of intense leaching due to

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heavy rainfall ? [2015] any three points of distinction. [2015]

Ans : Ans :
Laterite soil.
Red soil Laterite soil
20. Name the land with deep channels that is unfit for
1. Red soil develops on Laterite soil develops
cultivation. [2016]
crystalline igneous in areas with high
Ans : rocks in areas of low temperature and heavy
Bad land. rainfall. rainfall.
21. Which state has the largest area under black soil? 2. Red soil is found in Laterite soil is mainly
Ans : [2016] parts of Odisha and found in Karnataka,
Chhattisgarh, southern Kerala and the hilly
Maharashtra. parts of the middle of areas of Odisha and
22. What are the methods of checking soil erosion? Ganga plain and along Assam.
Ans : [2017] the piedmont zone of
the Western ghats.
Strip cropping, terrace farming and contour ploughing.
3. Red soil develops a In laterite soil, humus
23. Gully erosion is common in which basin?
reddish colour due content is very low.
Ans : [2017] to diffusion of iron
Chambal Basin. in crystalline and
metamorphic rocks

THREE MARKS QUESTIONS 28. Which is the main cause of land degradation in
Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh? How can it
be checked? Explain. [2015]
24. What is Agenda 21? List its two principles. [2017] Ans :
Ans :
The main cause of land degradation is large scale
Agenda 21 was adopted at first International Earth overgrazing
Summit held in 1992 at Rio de Janerio Brazil. Measures to check include:
The two principles are as follows: a. Afforestation and proper management of grazing.
a. To combat environmental damage, pov¬erty, b. Planting of shelter belts of plants.
disease through global cooperation on common c. Stabilization of sand dunes by growing thorny
interests, mutual needs and shared responsibilities. bushes.
b. Every local government should draw its own local d. Control on overgrazing.
Agenda 21.
29. Describe any three measures of controlling land
25. Why is it essential to have resource planning? Explain degradation. [2015, 2014, 2012]
any three reasons. [2017] or
Ans : Explain any three steps taken to solve the problem of
a. If the present trend of resource depletion by few land degradation in India. [2011]
individuals continues, the future of our planet is Ans :
in danger. a. Afforestation and proper management of grazing
b. Planning is essential for sustainable existence of can help to some extent.
all forms of life. b. Planting of shelter belts, control on over-grazing,
c. Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has led to stabilisation of sand dune by growing thorny
global ecological crises. bushes.
26. In India, some regions are rich in certain types of c. Proper management of wastelands, control of
resources but deficient in some other resources”. Do mixing activities, proper discharge and disposal of
you agree with the statement? Support your answer industrial effluents and wastes after treatment can
with any three examples. [2017] reduce land and water degradation in industrial
Ans : and sub-urban areas are some of the methods to
check land degradation.
Yes, there are regions which are rich in certain types
of resources but are deficient in some other resources. 30. Mention any three features of arid soils. [2014]
a. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh Ans :
are rich in minerals and coal deposits. Features of arid soils :
b. Arunachal Pradesh has abundance of water 1. Arid soils range from red to brown in colour.
resources but lacks in infrastructural development. 2. They are generally sandy in texture and saline in
c. Rajasthan is endowed with solar and wind energy nature.
but lacks in water resources. 3. Due to dry climate, high temperature, evaporation
d. Ladakh has rich cultural heritage but lacks in is faster and the soil lacks humus and moisture.
water resources and infrastructure. 4. The lower horizons of the soil are occupied by
27. Distinguish between red soil and laterite soil stating Kankar because of the increasing calcium content
downwards.

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(Any three). 35. Explain any three human activities responsible for
land degradation in India. [2013, 2012]
31. ‘Land is a natural resource of utmost importance’. or
Justify the statement with appropriate arguments. How are human activities responsible for the
[2014] degradation of land? [2012]
Ans : Ans :
a. We live on land, we perform our economic a. Mining: Mining sites are abandoned after
activities on land and we use it in different ways. excavation work is complete leaving deep scars in
b. It supports natural vegetation, wildlife, human life, states such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya
economic activities, transport and communication Pradesh and Odisha. Deforestation due to mining
systems. has caused severe land degradation.
c. It is an asset of a finite magnitude. b. Over irrigation: Over irrigation in the states of
Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, has
32. Indiscriminate use of resources had led to numerous caused water logging and increase in salinity of
problems.’ Justify this statement. [2014, 2012, 2011] soil.
Ans : c. Overgrazing: Overgrazing in states such as Gujarat,
Resources are vital for human survival and it was Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra is
believed that resources are free gift of nature. The a huge cause due to cattle population
indiscriminate use of resources led to the following d. Industries: Mineral processing industry like
problems: grinding of limestone for cement industry and
a. To satisfy the greed of few individuals, depletion calcite and soapstone for ceramic industry
of resources has continued. generate huge quantity of dust. This retards the
b. Due to the accumulation of resources in few process of infiltration of water into the soil.
hands, the society gets divided into two segments, e. Industrial waste: Industrial effluents also have
e.g., rich and poor. become a major source of land degradation.
c. Indiscriminate use of resources has ‘ led to 36. Suggest any three methods of soil conservation
ecological crises, e.g., ozone layer depletion, land suitable to Indian conditions. [2012]
degradation, global warming and environmental or
pollution. What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in hilly
areas? [2012]
NO NEED TO PURCHASE ANY BOOKS
Ans :
For session 2019-2020 free pdf will be available at
www.cbse.online for Methods of soil conservation:
1. Previous 15 Years Exams Chapter-wise Question a. Ploughing along the contour lines can decrease
Bank the speed of water flow down the slopes.
2. Previous Ten Years Exam Paper (Paper-wise). b. Step or terrace cultivation on slopes restricts
3. 20 Model Paper (All Solved). erosion. Western and Central Himalayas have
4. NCERT Solutions well-developed terrace farming.
All material will be solved and free pdf. It will be c. Strip cropping: Here large fields can be divided
provided by 30 September and will be updated regularly. into strips. Strips of grass are left to grow between
the crops. This breaks up the force of the wind.
d. Shelter belt plantation: Trees are planted in rows.
33. How can you contribute to minimize the pollution. These shelter belts have led to the stabilisation of
Explain. [2014] sand dimes and in stabilising the desert in western
Ans : India.
We can contribute to minimize the pollution by: 37. What is meant by the term “resource”? List the types
a. Planting more plants and trees. of resources classified on the basis of its ownership.
b. Using non-conventional sources of energy such as [2012]
solar and wind energy. Ans :
c. Using public transport instead of personal car/
a. Resource: Everything available in our environment
motor bike etc.
which can be used to satisfy our needs, provided, it
d. Saving water and electricity.
is technologically accessible, economically feasible
34. Define the following terms: and culturally acceptable is known as a resource.
a. Current fallow land b. Types of resources on the basis of ownership are:
b. Other than current fallow Individual, community, national and international.
c. Cultural waste land [2013]
38. Distinguish between the renewable and nonrenewable
Ans :
resources. [2012]
a. Current fallow land: Left uncultivated / for one or Ans :
less than one agricultural year.
a. Renewable resources: Resources which can be
b. Other than current fallow: Left uncultivated for
renewed or reproduced by mechanical, physical
past 1 to 5 agricultural years.
or chemical processes are known as renewable
c. Cultural waste land: Left uncultivated for more
or replenishable resources, e.g., solar and wind
than 5 agricultural years.

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energy, water, forests and wildlife, etc. 42. Which geographical factors are responsible for the
b. Non-renewable resources : These occur over very evolution of black soil? Why is it considered the most
long geological times. Minerals and fossil fuels are suitable for growing cotton? [2012]
examples of such resources. These resources take Ans :
millions of years in their formation. Some of the
a. Climatic conditions along with present rock
resources like metals are recyclable and some of
material are important factors for making of black
them such as fossil fuels cannot be recycled and
soil. The parent rock is volcanic rock.
get exhausted with their use.
b. It is ideal for growing cotton because of the
39. Distinguish between stock and potential resource. following reasons:
Give one example of each. [2012] c. It has capacity to hold moisture.
Ans : d. It is rich in soil nutrients such as calcium carbonate
and potash.
Stock Potential resources: e. Deep cracks in the soil help in aeration.
1. They are found in the They are found in a
NO NEED TO PURCHASE ANY BOOKS
environment. region.
For session 2019-2020 free pdf will be available at
2. They are not accessed due They have not www.cbse.online for
to the lack of technology. been utilized or 1. Previous 15 Years Exams Chapter-wise Question
developed. Bank
3. Example: Water is a Example: Rajasthan 2. Previous Ten Years Exam Paper (Paper-wise).
compound of two 1 and Gujarat have 3. 20 Model Paper (All Solved).
inflammable gases— enormous potential 4. NCERT Solutions
hydrogen and oxygen, for the development All material will be solved and free pdf. It will be
which can be used as a of wind and solar provided by 30 September and will be updated regularly.
rich source of energy. energy but they are
But we do not have the yet to be developed 43. Mention any two human activities which are
required technical know- for various reasons. responsible for the process of soil erosion. Explain the
how to use them for this two types of soil erosion mostly observed in India?
purpose. [2012]
40. Distinguish between Khadar and Bangar soil. [2012, Ans :
2011] Two human activities which are responsible for
or the process of soil erosion are deforestation and
How are alluvial soils formed? How is Bangar different overgrazing, mining, construction, etc.
from Khadar? [Marking Scheme, 2012] Types of Soil Erosion :
Ans : a. Gullies: The running water cuts through the
Alluvial soil: It is soil formed by the sediments clayey soil and makes deep channels/gullies. The
deposited by river water. unfit land caused by gullies is called bad land or
ravines.
S.No Khadar soil Bangar soil b. Sheet erosion: water flows as a sheet over large
1. It is a new alluvial It is an old alluvial areas down a slope. The top soil is washed away
soil. soil. .This process is known as sheet erosion.
2. Lower concentration Higher concentration 44. Differentiate between stock and reserve stating two
of kankar nodules. of kankar nodules. points of difference. [2011]
3. It has more fine It has less fine Ans :
particles. particles. a. Stock: Materials, which have the potential to
4. It is more fertile. It is less fertile. satisfy human beings but human do not have
the appropriate technology to access these, are
41. Explain any three factors responsible for soil formation. termed as stock. We do not have the required
[2012, 2011] technical ‘know-how’ to use them for a specific
Ans : purpose, e.g., water which is a compound of two
a. The parent rock is the first factor which provides inflammable gases hydrogen and oxygen and can
the basic material for the formation of soil. be a rich source of energy. We do not know how
b. Climate breaks the parent rock into small pieces. to use them.
c. Vegetation: Plant and animal organisms help in b. Reserves: These are subset of the stock. They
the weathering of the rocks slowly but continuously can be put into use with existing know-how but
d. Various forces of nature such as change in their use has not been started. For e.g., river
temperature, actions of running water, wind and water is used as a source of hydroelectricity but
glaciers, activities of decomposers, etc., contribute to a limited extent. Thus, the water in the dams,
to the formation of soil. forests, etc., are reserves which can be used in the
e. Chemical and organic changes take place in the future.
soil. 45. Explain the types of resources on the basis of

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exhaustibility with the help of examples. [2011] soil.

Ans : Ans : [2013]
a. Renewable resources: Resources which can be Alluvial soil is found in the entire northern plain It is
renewed or reproduced by mechanical, physical the most widely spread soil of India. Main features of
or chemical processes are known as renewable alluvial soil:
or replenishable resources, e.g., solar and wind a. It is formed by the deposition of materials brought
energy, water, forests and wildlife, etc. down by the Himalayan rivers.
b. Non-renewable resources: These occur over very b. It is highly fertile.
long geological times. Minerals and fossil fuels are c. It consists of various proportions of sand, silt and
examples of such resources. These resources take clay.
millions of years in their formation. Some of the d. It is rich in potash, phosphoric acid and lime but
resources like metals are recyclable and some of deficient in organic matter.
them such as fossil fuels cannot be recycled and
get exhausted with their use.
FIVE MARKS QUESTIONS
46. What are the three stages of resource planning in
India ?
51. Explain resource planning. What are the steps
Ans : [2012, 2011]
involved in resource planning? [2014]
a. Identification and inventory of resources across or
the regions of the country. Why is resource planning essential in India? [2015]
b. Evolving a planning structure endowed with or
appropriate technology, skill and , institutional What is resource planning? Why is resource planning
set up for implementing resource development essential? Explain it with three reasons. [2015]
plans. Ans :
c. Match the resource development plans with
overall national development plans. Resource planning is a procedure of proper utilisation
of resources. Resource planning is important because :
47. Enumerate any three features of ‘regur’ soil. [2011] a. Resources in India are not evenly distributed.
Ans : Some parts of the county are rich in one resource
Feature of ‘regur’ soil : but deficient in other important resources which
a. Regur soil is also known as black soil. are essential. For example, Rajasthan is rich in
b. It is ideal for growing cotton, so it is also known solar and wind energy but lacks water resource.
as ‘black cotton soil’. Jharkhand is rich in minerals and coal deposits
c. It is made up of extremely fine clayey material. but lack in industrialisation. This is the reason
d. It is rich in soil nutrients, calcium carbonate, why resource planning is essential. An effective
magnesium, potash and lime. resource planning will help in effective use of the
e. It develops cracks in hot weather. It can hold resources available in the environment.
moisture and is sticky when wet. b. Secondly, most of the resources present in our
environment are limited. Therefore, if these
48. Describe any five distinct characteristics of ‘Arid soils’.
resources are not preserved or not used rationally
[2015]
we will be in great trouble. For example : Petrol
Ans : is a limited resource and it cannot be renewed.
a. Arid soils range from red to brown in colour. Exhaustion of petrol will create huge chaos in the
b. Sandy in texture and saline in nature. country as we are extensively dependent on the
c. Evaporation is faster, soil lacks humus and petrol.
moisture. c. Thirdly, resource planning is important because
d. Soil occupied by Kankar. it minimises the wastage or over utilisation
e. Kankar restricts the infiltration of water. of resources. The very first step of resource
49. Why is soil considered as a resource? Explain with five
planning is to make a list of resources available
arguments. [2015]
in the environment. This helps us to assess which
resources should be used and how much it should
Ans :
be used to prevent over utilisation and minimise
Soil is considered as a resource because : wastage.
a. It is used to satisfy our needs.
52. Provide a suitable classification for resources on the
b. It is the most important renewable natural
basis of ownership. Mention main features of any three
resource.
types of such resources.
c. It is the medium of plant growth.
d. It supports different types of living organisms on Ans : [2014]
the Earth. On the basis of ownership resources can be classified
e. It is the base of our life. into the following categories :
50. What type of soil is found in the river deltas of the
a. Individual resources : Resources owned by a person
eastern coast? Give four main features of this type of or an individual are called individual resources.
For example-land owned by farmers, and houses
are individual resources.

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b. Community resources : Resources owned by a is unfavourable for the growth of the country as
particular community or a society are called a whole.
community owned resources. For example- c. Global ecological crisis : Global warming, depletion
Graveyard, grazing land, ponds, burial grounds of ozone layer, population and land degradation
and park ark community owned resources. are global ecological crises. This crisis situation is
c. National resources : Resources owned by an also an after effect of irrational or over utilisation
individual nation are called national resources. of resources.
For example -Government land, roads, canals and 55. How do technical and economical developments led to
railways are national resources. more consumption of resources ?
d. International resources : Resources regulated
or governed by an international body are called Ans :
international resources. For example-Ocean and These days, technical and economical developments
sea beyond 200 km of the exclusive economic gain a colossus space. The government is also focusing
zone belongs to open sea or ocean. No individual more on technical and economical growth to make
country can utilise these resources without the our county a fully developed country. In this process
permission of international bodies. of technical and economical growth, the resources
53. Explain the resources on the basis of origin and of our country are exhausting rapidly. Technological
exhaustibility. and economical developments have led to such rapid
consumption of resources because of the following
Ans : reasons :
Resources on the basis of origin : a. New and improved equipments are introduced with
a. Biotic resources : Resources obtained from the the development of technology, which ultimately
environment are called biotic resources. For lead to an increase in the use of natural resources.
example-trees, animals and insects. b. The technological advancement is attributed
b. Abiotic resources : Resources obtain from non- to the growth of a developing country. People
living things present in our environment are of an economically developing nation consume
termed as abiotic resources. For example-earth, more resources. Hence, we can safely say that an
air, water, metals, rocks, etc. improvement in economic development of a nation
Resources on the basis of exhaustibility : will directly result in the increase of its people’s
a. Renewable resources : The resources which have consumption of resources.
the ability to renew them over period of time c. Development of new technologies is widely
or can be reproduced by physical, chemical or seen in developing economies. Due to economic
mechanical processes are known as renewable development, the bright minds get an opportunity
resources. For example-solar and wind energy, to experiment with their ideas. As a matter of
water, forest and wildlife, etc. fact, various materials are converted in to useful
b. Non-renewable resources : Resources which resources. This creates an atmosphere, which
cannot be renewed or reproduced by any physical, will see a steady increase in consumption of such
chemical or mechanical process are known as non- available resources.
renewable resource. For example- water, wind,
tidal energy, etc. NO NEED TO PURCHASE ANY BOOKS

54. List the problems caused due to indiscriminate use of

For session 2019-2020 free pdf will be available at
resources by human beings. www.cbse.online for
1. Previous 15 Years Exams Chapter-wise Question
Ans : Bank
Resources are essential for human survival. Initially, 2. Previous Ten Years Exam Paper (Paper-wise).
people believed that the resources are the free gift 3. 20 Model Paper (All Solved).
of nature. Therefore, they continuously exhausted the 4. NCERT Solutions
resources available in the environment without taking All material will be solved and free pdf. It will be
any preventive measures. As a matter of fact, they provided by 30 September and will be updated regularly.
faced economic, social and ecological problems.
The major problems that cropped up due 56. ‘Consumption of energy in all forms has been rising all
to over-exploitation, irrational consumption and over the country. There is an urgent need to develop
indiscriminate use of resources are : a sustainable path of energy development and energy
a. Exhaustion of resources : Due to over exploitation saving’. Suggest and explain any three measures to
and irrational consumption, the resources solve this burning problem.
exhausted at a rapid pace leaving very little or Ans :
nothing for the future generation.
b. Concentration of resources : Concentration of Energy is an essential requirement for economic
resources in a few hands is also a major issue. development. The strategy of economic development
The people with the maximum resources will use that India has adopted since independence necessarily
them for their own benefits leaving others empty required increasing amount of energy consumption. As
handed. This will create a situation of have and a result, consumption of energy in all forms has been
have nots. This situation of have and have nots rising. To take care of this concern, various measures
that need to be adopted are as follows :

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a. We need to increase the use of renewable energy Land resource is fixed and cannot be increased. Land
resources like solar, wind power, biogas, tidal resource has been used since the ancient time. This
energy and geothermal energy. This will decrease continuous usage of land over a long period of time,
the dependence on non-renewable sources. without taking necessary steps to conserve and manage
b. We have to adopt a cautious approach for it has resulted in land degradation. As a matter of
judicious use of our limited energy resources. F or fact, the quality of the land has become inferior due to
example, as a concerned citizen we can use public regular loss of fertility and irregular usage.
transport system in place of an individual vehicle. Human activities have also contributed towards
c. Another measure that needs to be adopted is land degradation. There are :
promotion of energy conservation, e.g., switching a. Deforestation i.e., cutting down of forests.
off electrical devices when not in use, using power b. Over grazing.
saving devices. Thus, consumption of energy in all c. Mining i.e., extraction of valuable minerals from
forms has been rising all over the country. the soil.
57. What is meant by ‘Land Resource’ ? d. Mineral processing like grinding of limestone.
Ans : e. Faulty methods of cultivation and over-irrigation.
We live on land and it satisfies our needs in all These damages can be prevented with the help of
the possible ways. Land resource, thus is, of much these measures :
importance for us which includes forests, mountains, a. Afforestation and proper management of grazing.
plains, plateaus and islands. These support natural b. Plantation of shelter and stabilisation of sand
vegetation, wild life, economic activities, and transport dunes by growing thorny bushes in windy and
and communication systems. Therefore, it is necessary arid areas like the deserts of Rajasthan.
for us to use these resources in a wise manner and c. Proper management of wasteland and control of
with careful planning, we should develop holistic and mining activities.
ecological approach towards economic development d. Proper discharge and disposal of industrial
without compromising the ability of resources to effluents and waste after treatment in industrial
future generations to meet their needs. Though we and suburban areas.
have the right to meet our present needs by consuming 60. How can the problem of land degradation be solved ?
natural resources, we should not deprive the future Ans :
generations from it.
Land degradation has become a major problem today.
58. Explain land use pattern in India and why the land We have shared our land with the past generations
under forest not increased much since 1960-61. and will have to do with the future generations.
Ans : There are many ways to solve the problem of land
Land in India has been divided into different categories degradation. Afforestation and proper management
with reference to usage. Different categories of land of grazing can help in solving the problem of land
are: degradation. Planting shelter belts of plants, control
a. Farming land which is used for farming. on over grazing, stabilisation of sand dunes by growing
b. Forest land which comes under forest area thorny bushes are also some of the methods to check
c. Land meant for grazing land degradation. Proper management of waste
d. Non-farming land which is used for industrialization lands, control of mining activities, proper discharge
e. Waste lands, such as rocky areas and deserts and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after
treatment can reduce land and water degradation in
The irrational use of forest land has degraded industrial and suburban areas.
the available land area, and has made conservation of
forests difficult. Human actions such as deforestation, 61. What is the purpose of ‘Land Utilisation’ ?
mining and quarrying have contributed to the slow Ans :
growth rate of forests. Thus, land under forest has Land resources are used for the following purposes :
increased by only about 4% since 1960-61. a. Forests.
a. The use of natural resources has been increased b. Land not available for cultivation :
with the development of the technology in the (1) Barren and waste land.
country. (2) Land put to non-agricultural uses, e.g.,
b. Over utilisation of soil due to development in buildings, roads, factories, etc.
technology. c. Other uncultivated land :
c. Growth in the quality of production and better (1) Permanent pastures and grazing land.
services to the people. (2) Land under miscellaneous tree crops groves.
d. Improvement in the process of mining. (3) Cultural waste land’left uncultivated for more
e. Demand for more resources due to urbanisation. than 5 years.
59. What do you understand by the term ‘land degradation’ d. Fallow lands:
? Which human activities lead to land degradation ? (1) Current fallow land left without cultivation
What are the measures to solve the problems of land for one or less than one agricultural year.
degradation ? (2) Other than current fallow land, left
Ans : uncultivated for the past one to five years.
e. Net sown area, sown more than once in an

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agricultural year plus net sown area is known as of the slopes. The effect will be poor soils on the
gross cropped area. slopes, and richer deposits at the foot of the slopes.
62. What are the main types of soil found in India ? Which
type of soil is the most widespread and important soil
of India ? Describe in detail about this soil type. NO NEED TO PURCHASE ANY BOOKS
Ans : For session 2019-2020 free pdf will be available at
The main types soil found in various parts of India www.cbse.online for
are as follows : 1. Previous 15 Years Exams Chapter-wise Question
a. Alluvial soil Bank
b. Black soil 2. Previous Ten Years Exam Paper (Paper-wise).
c. Red and yellow soil 3. 20 Model Paper (All Solved).
d. Laterite soil 4. NCERT Solutions
e. Arid or Desert soil All material will be solved and free pdf. It will be
f. Forest and Mountainous soil. provided by 30 September and will be updated regularly.
Alluvial Soil :
Alluvial soil is the most fertile and extensively found WWW.CBSE.ONLINE
soil in India. This type of soil is found near the river
banks and is deposited by the rivers of India. The
Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra are the three
main rivers which are responsible for its deposition
and have created the entire northern plains. These
soils also extend in Rajasthan and Gujarat through
a narrow corridor. Alluvial soil is also found in the
eastern coastal plains particularly in the deltas of the
Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri
rivers. Alluvial soil is more common in pediment
plains such as Duars, Chos and Terai.
Alluvial soil is very fertile because it contains
potash, phosphoric acid and lime in adequate amount.
This is why the areas where alluvial soil is found are
densely populated, for example, the northern plains
and the eastern coastal plain are densely populated
and the most productive regions of India. The mineral
content of the alluvial soil makes it ideal for the
growth of paddy, wheat, other cereals and pulses
and sugarcane. The alluvial soil consists of various
proportions of sand, silt and clay. They are coarse in
the upper reaches of the river valley especially near
the break of slope and in pediment plains like Duars,
Chos and Terai. Every year during annual floods
alluvial soils are renewed. The Alluvial soil is of two
types-Khadar and Bangar.
63. What are the four main factors which help in the
formation of soil ?
Ans :
The main factors that help in soil formation are :
a. Parent rock : It influences the colour and texture
of the soil. The mineral content of the soil also
depends on the parent rock from which it is
formed.
b. Climate : It influences the rate and types of
weathering and erosion of the rocks. Weathering
of the parent rocks due to climatic factors and
natural forces leads to disintegration of rocks.
Subsequently, this leads to the formation of soil.
c. Time : It determines the maturity of the soil. Soil
is a living system. It takes millions of years to
form soil upto a few centimetres in depth.
d. Relief: This refers to the landscape position and
the slopes. Steep and long slopes mean water will
run down faster and potentially erode the surfaces

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