Q. 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. (UPSC Prelims 2014)
Answer:
2 only
Notes: The correct answer is
[B] 2 only. This question requires a careful distinction between the
causes of soil erosion and the
methods used to prevent it.Analysis of the Statements:
- Deforestation (Statement 2 – Correct): This is one of the primary causes of soil erosion in India. Roots of trees and plants bind the soil together. When forests are cleared, the soil becomes loose and is easily washed away by heavy rainfall (water erosion) or blown away by strong winds (wind erosion). This is especially prevalent in the Himalayan foothills and the Western Ghats.
- Terrace Cultivation (Statement 1 – Incorrect): Terrace cultivation is actually a soil conservation method, not a cause of erosion. In hilly or mountainous regions, slopes are cut into "steps" or terraces to slow down the flow of water. This reduction in water velocity prevents the topsoil from being washed downhill. Therefore, it helps solve the problem of soil erosion rather than being associated with the cause of it.
- Tropical Climate (Statement 3 – Incorrect): A tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet/dry seasons, is a natural geographical feature. While heavy tropical rainfall can lead to erosion, the climate itself is not the "problem" or the "agent" of erosion in a regulatory or anthropogenic sense. It is the mismanagement of land (like deforestation or overgrazing) within that climate that leads to the erosion. By itself, a tropical climate supports dense vegetation that naturally protects the soil.
Major Types of Soil Erosion in India:| Type | Characteristics | Region |
| Gully Erosion | Water cuts deep channels in the soil. | Chambal Ravines (Madhya Pradesh) |
| Sheet Erosion | Top layer of soil is removed over a large area. | Heavy rainfall areas of Eastern India |
| Wind Erosion | Strong winds carry away dry, loose topsoil. | Thar Desert (Rajasthan/Haryana) |