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Class 8 Geography Chapter 2: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation, and Wildlife Resources Notes

The Earth provides us with essential resources like land, soil, water, natural vegetation, and wildlife. These resources are interdependent and vital for human survival and economic activities. Proper management and conservation are necessary to maintain their availability for future generations.



Land Resources

  1. Land Use

    Land is used for various purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, housing, and industries.


    Types of Land Use:
    • Agricultural Land: Used for farming.
    • Forests: Covered with trees.
    • Pastures: Grazing areas for livestock.
    • Non-Agricultural Land: Includes settlements, industries, and roads.
  2. Distribution of Land
    • Land distribution varies across the world due to geographical and climatic factors.
    • Plains are densely populated due to fertile soil, while deserts and mountains are sparsely populated.
  3. Land Degradation

    Loss of productivity of land due to overuse or human activities.


    Causes:
    • Deforestation
    • Overgrazing
    • Mining
    • Urbanization
  4. Land Conservation Methods:
    • Afforestation
    • Controlled grazing
    • Terrace farming
    • Proper irrigation techniques


Soil Resources

Soil is the uppermost layer of the Earth’s crust that supports plant growth.


1. Formation of Soil
  • Formed by the process of weathering of rocks over thousands of years.
  • Factors: Climate, time, parent rock, organic material.

2. Types of Soil
  • Alluvial Soil: Found in river valleys; fertile.
  • Black Soil: Good for cotton; retains moisture.
  • Red Soil: Found in dry regions; rich in iron.
  • Desert Soil: Sandy, low in organic content.
  • Mountain Soil: Found in hilly regions; rich in organic material.

3. Soil Erosion and Conservation
  • Soil Erosion: The removal of the topsoil by wind, water, or human activities.
  • Conservation Methods:
    • Planting trees
    • Contour plowing
    • Terrace farming


Water Resources

Water is essential for life, agriculture, industries, and power generation.


1. Distribution of Water
  • Freshwater: Only 2.7% of Earth’s water is freshwater, found in rivers, lakes, and underground sources.
  • Saltwater: 97% of Earth’s water is in oceans.

2. Water Scarcity
  • Causes:
    • Overuse in agriculture and industries
    • Pollution of water bodies
    • Uneven distribution
  • Solutions:
    • Rainwater harvesting
    • Recycling and reusing water
    • Efficient irrigation techniques


Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

  1. Natural Vegetation
    • Plants that grow naturally without human interference.
    • Types:
      1. Tropical Evergreen Forests: Dense, found in heavy rainfall areas.
      2. Deciduous Forests: Shed leaves seasonally.
      3. Thorny Shrubs: Found in arid regions.
      4. Mountain Vegetation: Found in high altitudes.
      5. Mangroves: Found in coastal areas.
  2. Wildlife
    • Includes all animals and birds living in forests, grasslands, and other habitats.
    • Important for ecological balance.
  3. Threats to Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
    • Deforestation
    • Poaching
    • Habitat destruction
    • Climate change
  4. Conservation Methods
    • Establishing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
    • Afforestation and reforestation
    • Strict anti-poaching laws


Key Concepts to Remember

  1. Resources like land, soil, water, vegetation, and wildlife are interdependent and essential for life.
  2. Overuse and mismanagement lead to resource depletion and environmental problems.
  3. Conservation practices like afforestation, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable land use are crucial for preserving these resources.

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