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Q42 (IAS/2014) Geography › Indian Physical Geography › Soil degradation and conservation Official Key

In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following? 1. Terrace cultivation 2. Deforestation 3. Tropical climate Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is option D because all three factors are associated with soil erosion in India.

Terraced cultivation is a good technique to control soil erosion especially in the hilly and sloppy areas[1], which indicates that terrace cultivation is practiced specifically in areas where soil erosion is a problem, making it associated with soil erosion regions. Deforestation is one of the most important causes of soil erosion in the developing countries[2], clearly establishing its association with soil erosion in India.

Regarding tropical climate, on a global scale the fastest rates occur in zones with highly seasonal precipitation, as in monsoonal, Mediterranean and semi-arid climates[3]. Since India has a monsoonal tropical climate with highly seasonal rainfall, this climate type is directly associated with soil erosion problems. Additionally, soil erosion is all the more serious in the tropical and sub-tropical countries like India, where about 6000 million tonnes of soil is being eroded annually[4].

Therefore, all three factors—terrace cultivation (as a response to erosion-prone areas), deforestation (as a cause), and tropical climate (as a contributing factor)—are associated with soil erosion in India.

Sources
  1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > vi) terraced farming > p. 20
  2. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > 1. Soil Pollution > p. 34
  3. [3] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > SoIl EroSIon. > p. 17
  4. [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 17: Contemporary Issues > ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION > p. 58
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Q. In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following? 1. Terrace cultivation 2. Deforestation 3. Tropical cli…
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a classic 'Cause vs. Cure' logic trap disguised as a geography question. The source is pure NCERT (Class X & XI), but the difficulty lies in noticing that Statement 1 is a solution, not a problem. It rewards alert reading over deep knowledge.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Is terrace cultivation associated with soil erosion in India?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > vi) terraced farming > p. 20
Presence: 5/5
“(vi) terraced farming Terraced cultivation is a good technique to control soil erosion especially in the hilly and sloppy areas. Terraced cultivation is generally adopted in case of gentle hill slope (<30° ) Te Angami tribe of Nagaland has developed some of the most beautiful terraced felds up to the slope of 45o around the town of Kohima, Nagaland (Fig. 6.10).”
Why this source?
  • Explicit statement that terraced cultivation is a good technique to control soil erosion, especially in hilly/sloppy areas.
  • Gives an Indian example (Nagaland) showing terracing is practiced on steep slopes, implying applicability in India.
NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe > Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation > p. 12
Presence: 5/5
“In such cases the top soil is washed away. This is known as sheet erosion. Wind blows loose soil off flat or sloping land known as wind erosion. Soil erosion is also caused due to defective methods of farming. Ploughing in a wrong way i.e. up and down the slope form channels for the quick flow of water leading to soil erosion. Ploughing along the contour lines can decelerate the flow of water down the slopes. This is called contour ploughing. Steps can be cut out on the slopes making terraces. Terrace cultivation restricts erosion. Western and central Himalayas have well developed terrace farming.”
Why this source?
  • Directly states that 'Terrace cultivation restricts erosion' and describes cutting steps on slopes to make terraces.
  • Links terrace farming with contour ploughing as a method to decelerate water flow and reduce erosion in Himalayan regions.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > Terracing: \ > p. 366
Presence: 5/5
“• o "A terrace is an embankment or ridge of earth constructed across a slope to control runoff and minimize soil erosion". • It reduces the length of the hillside slope, thereby reducing sheet and rill erosion and prevents formation of gullies.”
Why this source?
  • Defines a terrace as an embankment constructed across a slope to control runoff and minimize soil erosion.
  • Explains the mechanism: reduces slope length, thereby reducing sheet and rill erosion and preventing gullies.
Statement 2
Is deforestation associated with soil erosion in India?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > SoIl EroSIon. > p. 17
Presence: 5/5
“In brief, at present, the main anthropogenic causes which accelerate soil erosion are deforestation, intensifcation of agriculture, urbanisation, poverty, fre, war, mining, and tourism.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists deforestation among the main anthropogenic causes that accelerate soil erosion.
  • Frames deforestation as a current driver of increased erosion alongside other human activities.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 3. Soil Erosion > p. 69
Presence: 5/5
“Soil erosion is a universal phenomena. It may be observed to some extent in all parts of the country, its intensity, however, is more in the arid, semi-arid, and mountainous areas. The presence of forests reduces the danger of soil erosion significantly. In recent years, the agricultural area has been expanded by indiscriminate felling of trees. The increase in the rate of soil erosion is not only damaging the agricultural lands, it is also affecting adversely the areas where the eroded soil is deposited.”
Why this source?
  • States that the presence of forests reduces the danger of soil erosion, implying vegetation cover prevents erosion.
  • Notes that indiscriminate felling of trees for agricultural expansion has increased the rate of soil erosion.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > 1. Soil Pollution > p. 34
Presence: 5/5
“Physical processes: Physical source of soil pollution is related to soil erosion and the consequent soil degradation caused by the natural and anthropogenic factors. Te magnitude of soil erosion depends on the amount and intensity of rainfall, temperature, wind, slope, vegetation cover and physical and chemical characteristics of soils. Deforestation is one of the most important causes of soil erosion in the developing countries.• 2. Biological processes: Te biological factors include the presence or absence of micro-organism in soil. Te micro-organisms enter the soils from the various sources and degrade them.• 3. Air-borne sources: Air-borne sources of soil pollutants are, in fact, air-pollutats which are released into the atmosphere by chimneys of factories, automobiles, thermal power plants, and domestic sources.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies deforestation as one of the most important causes of soil erosion, linking tree removal to heightened erosion risk.
  • Places deforestation among key anthropogenic factors causing soil degradation in developing countries (including India).
Statement 3
Is tropical climate associated with soil erosion in India?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 17: Contemporary Issues > ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION > p. 58
Presence: 5/5
“The nuclear waste contains radioactive isotopes which generate large quantities of heat. These radio-active elements remain in the atmosphere for many hundreds and thousands of years. The disposal of nuclear waste is, therefore, a serious danger to the biosphere.• (vi) Soil Erosion: Soil erosion is a universal problem. It is all the more serious in the tropical and sub-tropical countries like India. In India, the problem of soil erosion is a serious menace as about 6000 million tonnes of soil is being eroded annually. According to one estimate, about 80 million hectares is adversely affected by soil erosion, out of which over four million hectares is affected by ravines and gullies.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states soil erosion is 'all the more serious in the tropical and sub-tropical countries like India'.
  • Provides national-scale context and magnitude, linking India with tropical/subtropical vulnerability.
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate > Monsoons and the Economic Life in India > p. 38
Presence: 5/5
“If it fails, agriculture is adversely affected particularly in those regions where means of irrigation are not developed.• (vi) Sudden monsoon burst creates problem of soil erosion over large areas in India.• (vii) Winter rainfall by temperate cyclones in north India is highly beneficial for rabi crops.• (viii) Regional climatic variation in India is reflected in the vast variety of food, clothes and house types.”
Why this source?
  • Notes that sudden monsoon bursts create soil erosion over large areas in India.
  • Connects seasonal/monsoon behaviour (characteristic of tropical climate) directly to erosion events.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > SoIl EroSIon. > p. 17
Presence: 4/5
“Te natural process of removal of top soil mainly by water and wind is known as soil erosion. It is a process whose rates may be magnifed by humans (accelerated erosion). On a global scale the fastest rates occur in zones with highly seasonal precipitation, as in monsoonal, Mediterranean and semi-arid climates. Te rate of soil erosion in a given region is infuenced by: (i) rainfall efciency to erode, (ii) volume of run of, (iii) wind strength, (iv) relief, (v) slope angle, (vi) slope length, (vii) slope shortening (terrace, ridges), (viii) length of wind fetch, and (ix) shelter belts. Te rate of soil erosion also depends on the pressure of population on arable land, cropping patterns, fallowing, crop rotation, land management, tillage practices and application of chemical fertilisers.”
Why this source?
  • States globally the fastest erosion rates occur in zones with highly seasonal precipitation, e.g., monsoonal climates.
  • Identifies climatic seasonality (monsoon) as a driver of high erosion rates, linking climate type to erosion intensity.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC frequently mixes 'Problems' and 'Solutions' in the same list. If the question asks for the problem, the presence of a well-known solution in the options is your elimination key.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Solvable purely via NCERT Class X (Resources and Development) and Class XI (India Physical Environment).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Land Degradation & Conservation. The examiner tests your ability to categorize factors into 'Drivers' (Causes) vs. 'Mitigation' (Solutions).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the specific pairs: Sheet Erosion (Heavy rain/flat land) vs. Gully Erosion (Steep slopes/Chambal Badlands). Solutions: Contour Ploughing (decelerates flow), Strip Cropping (breaks wind force), Shelter Belts (stabilizes dunes), Terracing (hilly slopes).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When studying environmental issues, always create two columns: 'Anthropogenic/Natural Causes' and 'Remedial Measures'. The exam often mixes these lists to confuse you.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Terracing as a soil conservation technique
💡 The insight

All core references state terraces reduce runoff and restrict/ control soil erosion in hilly Indian contexts.

High-yield for UPSC geography/environment questions on soil conservation; connects to agricultural practices, hill farming and watershed management. Master by understanding mechanism (runoff control, slope shortening) and memorising Indian examples/regions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > vi) terraced farming > p. 20
  • NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe > Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation > p. 12
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > Terracing: \ > p. 366
🔗 Anchor: "Is terrace cultivation associated with soil erosion in India?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Shifting cultivation (Jhum) and its replacement by terraced/sedentary farming
💡 The insight

References identify shifting cultivation as a major cause of erosion and explicitly recommend persuading cultivators to adopt terraced farming.

Useful for questions on land-use, tribal livelihoods, and soil conservation policy; links environmental degradation to socio-economic interventions and rehabilitation schemes. Prepare by linking causes of erosion to policy responses.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 6. Restriction on Shifting Cultivation > p. 24
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > xi) Prevention of Shifting cultivation > p. 21
🔗 Anchor: "Is terrace cultivation associated with soil erosion in India?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Types of water erosion and linked conservation measures
💡 The insight

Evidence describes sheet, rill and gully erosion and lists terraces, contour ploughing and afforestation as countermeasures.

Frequently tested in environment and geography sections—knowing erosion types and corresponding mitigation (terracing, contouring, afforestation) helps answer cause–effect and solution-oriented questions. Learn by mapping each erosion type to specific preventive techniques.

📚 Reading List :
  • NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe > Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation > p. 12
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > i) Soil Erosion > p. 15
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 3. Soil Erosion > p. 70
🔗 Anchor: "Is terrace cultivation associated with soil erosion in India?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Deforestation as a direct driver of soil erosion
💡 The insight

Multiple references explicitly link tree removal/indiscriminate felling to increased soil erosion and soil degradation.

High-yield concept for environmental geography and GS papers: explains causal mechanism (loss of vegetation → reduced protection against rain/wind → erosion), connects to land-use change, watershed issues and policy responses. Master by mapping causes→effects and citing examples (agricultural expansion, fuelwood collection).

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > SoIl EroSIon. > p. 17
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 3. Soil Erosion > p. 69
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > 1. Soil Pollution > p. 34
🔗 Anchor: "Is deforestation associated with soil erosion in India?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Anthropogenic vs natural causes of soil erosion
💡 The insight

Sources distinguish human activities (deforestation, overgrazing, construction) from natural forces (rain, wind, slope) as contributors to erosion.

Useful for answering UPSC questions that ask for comparative causes, impacts and mitigation; links physical geography with human geography and environmental management. Prepare by categorising causes, showing interactions and giving region-specific examples.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > PROBLEMS OF INDIAN SOILS > p. 14
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > SoIl EroSIon. > p. 17
  • NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe > Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation > p. 12
🔗 Anchor: "Is deforestation associated with soil erosion in India?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Soil conservation through afforestation and land management
💡 The insight

References recommend planting trees and afforestation as measures to protect soils and reduce erosion (e.g., planting rows to reduce wind velocity).

Practical policy-focused concept often asked in GS and environmental essays: connects causes to remedial measures (afforestation, contour ploughing, grazing control). Master by learning key conservation techniques, state/region examples, and policy instruments.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > SOIL CONSERVATION > p. 23
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 3. Soil Erosion > p. 69
🔗 Anchor: "Is deforestation associated with soil erosion in India?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Tropical monsoon climate and monsoon bursts
💡 The insight

Monsoon (tropical) climate brings heavy, seasonal summer rains and sudden bursts that the references link directly to large-scale soil erosion in India.

High-yield for UPSC geography/environment: explains why certain regions suffer erosion and floods. Connects climate classification to impacts (agriculture, floods, erosion). Prepare by correlating climate types (monsoon) with hazard patterns and memorising key causal links (e.g., sudden heavy rains → runoff → erosion).

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate > Monsoons and the Economic Life in India > p. 38
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change > Tropical Monsoon Climate (Am) > p. 92
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > SoIl EroSIon. > p. 17
🔗 Anchor: "Is tropical climate associated with soil erosion in India?"
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Chambal Ravines' (Badland Topography). Since the exam touched on general erosion here, the specific regional manifestation (Gully erosion in Chambal basin) is the logical sibling fact found in the same NCERT chapter.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Antonym Trap'. The question asks about the 'problem' (Cause). Statement 1 (Terrace Cultivation) is a famous 'solution' (Cure). A cause cannot be a cure. Eliminate Statement 1. Options A, C, and D all contain 1. By removing them, you are left with Option B automatically, without even needing to evaluate Statement 3.

🔗 Mains Connection

Link Soil Erosion to **Nutrient Cycles (Environment)** and **Food Security (Economy)**. Erosion isn't just dirt moving; it's the loss of N-P-K and organic carbon, which directly impacts fertilizer subsidy burdens and crop yields.

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IAS · 2010 · Q23 Relevance score: -4.26

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CDS-II · 2018 · Q42 Relevance score: -4.44

Which of the following statements with regard to the land-use situation in India is/are correct? 1. There has been a tremendous decline in area under forest in recent years. 2. The rate of increase in land use in recent years is the highest in case of area under non-agricultural use. 3. Land use such as barren and wasteland, area under pastures and tree crops have experienced decline in recent years. Select the correct answer using the code given below.