UPSC Prelims 2014 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:

Explanation:

• • Soil erosion is the degradation and depletion of the top horizon layer of soil due to both natural and anthropogenic factors.
  • Terrace farming, contour plowing, mulching, shelter belts, etc are ways to prevent soil erosion. So, point 1 is not correct.
    
    

• Without plant cover, erosion can occur and sweep the land into rivers. The agricultural plants that often replace the trees cannot hold onto the soil and many of these plants, such as coffee, cotton, palm oil, soybean, and wheat, can actually worsen soil erosion. And as land loses its fertile soil, agricultural producers move on, clear more forest, and continue the cycle of soil loss. Deforestation is a major reason for soil erosion. So, point 2 is correct.
  
  

• Soil erosion has no direct correlation with tropical climates. So, point 3 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Subject: Geography | Soils