Introduction

In this unit on Land and Mineral Resources, students will explore the critical issues surrounding the degradation and conservation of land resources, as well as the exploitation and restoration of mineral resources.

The discussion begins with an examination of land degradation, driven by activities such as mining, industrialization, and irrigation, as well as the impact of natural disasters. Students will learn about the processes and consequences of soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, and various methods for soil conservation and fertility restoration. Organic farming will be introduced as a sustainable agricultural practice.

The unit will also cover India's mineral resources, focusing on their use, exploration, and extraction, alongside the environmental impacts these activities entail. Finally, strategies for the restoration of mining lands and other degraded landscapes will be discussed, emphasizing sustainable practices and rehabilitation efforts to mitigate adverse environmental impacts.

This comprehensive understanding is crucial for fostering sustainable land and mineral resource management in the context of environmental science.

Objectives

After going through this unit you will be able to:

1. explain how land degradation and industrialisation affects land resources;

2. describes soil erosion, loss of soil fertility;

3. how to restore fertility of soil;

4. what methods should be taken to conserve the soil;

5. organic farming;

6. understand about mineral resources their exploitation, exploration and extraction;

7. describe various methods to restore the mining lands.