Degradation By Improper Use Of Natural Resources MCQ - Practice Questions with Answers

• The degradation of natural resources can occur, not just by the action of pollutants but also by improper resource utilisation practices. 

Soil erosion and desertification: 

• The development of the fertile top-soil takes centuries. 
• But, it can be removed very easily due to human activities like over-cultivation, unrestricted grazing, deforestation and poor irrigation practices, resulting in arid patches of land. 
• When large barren patches extend and meet over time, a desert is created.
• Internationally, it has been recognised that desertification is a major problem nowadays, particularly due to increased urbanisation. 

Waterlogging and soil salinity: 

• Irrigation without proper drainage of water leads to waterlogging in the soil. 
• Besides affecting the crops, waterlogging draws salt to the surface of the soil. 
• The salt then is deposited as a thin crust on the land surface or starts collecting at the roots of the plants. 
• This increased salt content is inimical to the growth of crops and is extremely damaging to agriculture. 
• Waterlogging and soil salinity are some of the problems that have come in the wake of the Green Revolution.