Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation & Wildlife Resources – Lecture Summary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture on land, soil, water, natural vegetation, and wildlife resources.

Land

A vital natural resource covering about 30 % of Earth’s surface; its habitability depends on topography and climate.

Land Use

The various ways humans employ land—agriculture, forestry, mining, housing, roads, industries, etc.

Physical Factors of Land Use

Natural determinants such as topography, soil, climate, mineral presence, and water availability.

Human Factors of Land Use

Population size and technology levels that shape how land is utilized.

Private Land

Land owned by individual persons or entities.

Community Land (Common Property Resources)

Land owned collectively for shared uses like gathering fodder, fruits, or medicinal herbs.

Land Degradation

Decline in land quality caused by over-construction, agriculture expansion, erosion, landslides, or desertification.

Conservation of Land Resources

Practices such as afforestation, land reclamation, regulated agro-chemicals, and controlled grazing to protect land.

Soil

A thin, grainy surface layer made of organic matter, minerals, and weathered rock; essential for plant growth.

Weathering

The breakdown of rocks that produces mineral particles forming part of soil.

Factors of Soil Formation

Parent rock, climate, topography, organic material, and time.

Soil Erosion

Removal of topsoil by wind, water, or human activity, reducing fertility.

Soil Degradation Factors

Deforestation, overgrazing, excessive fertilizers/pesticides, rain wash, landslides, and floods.

Soil Conservation

Techniques that prevent soil loss or restore fertility.

Mulching

Covering soil with organic litter to retain moisture and reduce erosion.

Contour Barriers

Stone, grass, or soil bunds built along contours to slow water flow and capture soil.

Rock Dam

A barrier of rocks that checks runoff and prevents gully formation.

Terrace Farming

Step-like fields cut into slopes to reduce runoff and soil loss on hillsides.

Intercropping

Growing different crops in alternate rows to reduce pests and maintain soil nutrients.

Contour Ploughing

Ploughing along land contours to decrease soil erosion by water.

Shelterbelts

Rows of trees or shrubs planted to protect fields from wind erosion.

Landslide

Rapid downhill movement of rock, debris, or earth, often triggered by rain, earthquakes, or volcanoes.

Hazard Mapping

Identifying and mapping areas prone to landslides for risk reduction.

Retention Wall

Engineered wall built to hold back soil and stabilize slopes.

Water Cycle

Natural circulation of water through evaporation, precipitation, and runoff; keeps global water quantity constant.

Freshwater

Only 2.7 % of Earth’s water; about 1 % is directly usable for humans.

Water Scarcity

Shortage of usable freshwater due to low rainfall, overuse, or contamination.

Water Harvesting

Capturing and storing rainwater to enhance water availability.

Sprinklers & Drip Irrigation

Efficient irrigation methods that minimize evaporation losses.

Ecosystem

The life-supporting system formed by interactions among atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.

Natural Vegetation

Plant life that grows without direct human aid within a region.

Distribution of Natural Vegetation

Forests grow in heavy rainfall areas; shrubs in moderate zones; thorny scrub in arid regions.

Wildlife

All undomesticated animals and aquatic organisms living in natural habitats.

Vultures

Scavenger birds crucial for cleaning carcasses and maintaining environmental balance.

Causes of Habitat Loss

Deforestation, erosion, construction, fires, tsunamis, landslides, and poaching.

Conservation of Natural Vegetation & Wildlife

Establishing parks, reserves, protecting water bodies, awareness programmes, and strict wildlife laws.

CITES Convention

International treaty that bans trade in endangered species listed under its appendices.