Land And Water Resources / Arnold Bell

Includes Index.

Land and water are two essential natural resources that support life, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems.

They are renewable but limited, and increasing human pressure has led to overuse and degradation.

Land Resources:

a. Types of Land Use:

Agricultural land – used for farming and animal grazing.

Forest land – provides biodiversity, climate regulation, and raw materials.

Pastures – used for grazing livestock.

Non-agricultural land – includes land for settlements, industries, roads, etc.

Fallow land – temporarily unused for agriculture to restore fertility.

b. Land Degradation:

Causes: deforestation, overgrazing, mining, urban sprawl, and poor farming practices.

Effects: soil erosion, loss of fertility, desertification.

c. Conservation of Land:
Methods include afforestation, contour plowing, terrace farming, crop rotation, and land use planning
Water Resources:
a. Types of Water Sources:

Surface water – rivers, lakes, ponds.
Groundwater – water stored underground in aquifers.
Rainwater – essential for agriculture and replenishing water bodies.
Marine w