A closer look at wasteland and their reclamation

The reclamation of wasteland and development measures in general includes land clearing, soil and water conservation, enhancing nutrient status, provision of irrigation facilities and so on. However, the existing status of wastelands shows wide variation across different regions of the country in terms of their suitability for cultivation. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a scientific assessment of the existing status; fertility, erosion levels, soil conditions, water potential, suitable cropping system, etc. of the waste lands spread over different agro-climatic zones of the state so as to prepare a realistic reclamation-cum-development plan for the wastelands. Thus rehabilitation of the wasteland through the sustainable management serves as a better cover to the soil and aids regeneration of forests.

1. Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University Of Horticulture & Forestry College of Forestry (CoF) Ranichauri (T.G) Session 2023 Presentation topic on : A closer look at wastelands and their reclamation Presented By : Sagar Chaudhary ID No.- 22342 M.Sc. Forestry (Silviculture) Submitted To : Dr. Reena Joshi

2. Presentation profile Introduction Definition Wasteland and their significance Wasteland Classification Causes of land degradation Why we need for wasteland reclamation? Method of wasteland reclamation Government Initiatives for Wasteland Reclamation: Impact of Government Initiatives: Case study Future Outlook: Wasteland Reclamation for Sustainable Development Conclusion References.

3. Introduction to Wastelands Wastelands, often termed as degraded or marginal lands, are areas where the natural fertility and productivity of the land have significantly deteriorated. These lands can take on various forms, including abandoned industrial sites, eroded terrains, and desolate spaces resulting from mining or pollution. Wastelands present a unique duality – they are problematic due to their ecological challenges, such as soil degradation and loss of biodiversity. Still, they hold immense potential for rejuvenation. Through carefully planned reclamation efforts that include afforestation, sustainable agricultural practices, and ecological restoration, wastelands can be transformed into thriving ecosystems. This not only benefits the environment by contributing to biodiversity conservation and mitigating climate change but also provides economic opportunities, making the study and reclamation of wastelands vital for sustainable development and land management.

4. The Waste Land The National Wasteland Development Board (NWDB) has defined wastelands as “ degraded land which can be brought under vegetative cover with reasonable effort and which is currently under utilized and land which is deteriorating for lack of appropriate water and soil management or on account of natural causes ”.

5. W astelands and their significance in environmental context Biodiversity Loss : Wastelands often result from activities that harm biodiversity, leading to a reduction in plant and animal species. Soil Degradation : These areas frequently suffer from soil erosion, reduced fertility, and contamination, affecting agricultural productivity. Water Quality : Pollutants from wastelands can seep into water bodies, degrading water quality and harming aquatic life. Climate Change : Wastelands contribute to climate change through reduced carbon sequestration and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Habitat Destruction : Urban wastelands, in particular, lead to habitat destruction for many wildlife species. Aesthetic and Psychological Impact : Wastelands can negatively affect the mental and emotional well-being of nearby communities and decrease the aesthetic value of an area.

6. Wasteland classification Cultivable waste land - gullied & ravenous land - undulating upland - surface water logged land - salt affected land - shifting cultivation area - degraded forest land - degraded grazing land - non forestland degraded - strip land - sand mining - industrial wasteland Uncultivable waste land - Barren rock - stone waste - sheet rock area - steep sloping area - snow converted area - glacier area

7. Causes of land degradation : use and abuse of our land resources Deforestation : Removal of forests reduces soil fertility. Mining : Extraction activities disrupt landscapes and soil. Industrial Pollution : Pollutants harm soil and ecosystems. Land Mismanagement : Poor practices degrade soil. Urbanization : Urban growth leaves behind contaminated wastelands. Natural Disasters : Events like floods alter landscapes. Climate Change : Altered weather patterns worsen land degradation. Land Tenure Issues : Ownership disputes lead to land neglect. Overgrazing Improper irrigation practices

8. Wastelands can be classified into three forms : Easily reclaimable , Reclaimable with some difficulty , Reclaimable with extreme difficulty .

9. Easily reclaimable : Easily reclaimable wastelands can be used for agricultural purposes . Wastelands can be reclaimed for agriculture by reducing the salt content which can be done by leaching etc . Gypsum , urea , potash , and compost are added before planting crops in such areas . Reclaimed with some difficulty : These wastelands can be utilized for agro forestry . Agro forestry involves putting land to multiple uses . Its main purpose is to have trees and crops inter and /or under planted to form an intergrated system of biological production within a certain area . Thus , agro forestry implies integration of trees with agricultural crops or livestock management simultaneously .

10. Reclaimed with extreme difficulty Wasteland that are reclaimed with extreme difficulty can be used for forestry or to recreate natural ecosystem . Attempts to grow trees In highly non alkaline saline soils have been largely unsuccessful . Field experiments have shown that species like Eucalyptus, Prosopis and Acacia nilotica could not be grown in highly alkaline soil. Studies have shown that if tree seedlings are planted with a mixture of original soil, gypsum, and manure, better growth can be achieved. It is however important to use indigenous species of trees so that the program recreates the local ecosystem with all its species.

11. Need for wasteland reclamation Environmental Restoration : Rehabilitate damaged ecosystems. Soil Fertility : Make unproductive land suitable for agriculture. Biodiversity Conservation : Restore habitats and protect native species. Water Quality Improvement : Reduce contaminants for aquatic life and communities. Carbon Sequestration : Contribute to climate change mitigation. Economic Opportunities : Agriculture, ecotourism, and renewable energy. Urban Development : Create green spaces and enhance city living. Land Sustainability : Promote sustainable land management.

12. Method of wasteland reclamation Afforestation- It means growing the forest over culturable wasteland. Reforestation- Growing the forest again over the lands where they were existing and was destroyed due to fires, overgrazing, and excessive cutting Reforestation checks water logging, floods, soil erosion and increase productivity of land. Providing Surface cover - The easiest way to protect the land surface from soil erosion is of leave crop residue on the land after harvesting. Mulching- Mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of an area of soil. In this protective cover of organic matter and plants like stalks, cotton stalks, tobacco stalks etc. are used which reduce evaporation, help in retaining soil moisture and reduce soil erosion.

13. Method of wasteland reclamation ( contd …..) Changing ground topography on downhill's- Running water erodes the hill soil and carries the soil along with it. This can be minimized by following alternation in ground topography: (a) Strip farming- Different kinds of crops are planted in alternate strip along the contour. (b) Terracing- In this arrangement, the earth is shaped in the form of leveled terraces to hold. soil and water. The terrace edges are planted with such plant species which anchor the soil. (c) Contour ploughing- In this arrangement, the ploughing of land is done across the hill and not in up and down style.

14. Method of wasteland reclamation ( contd …..) Leaching In salt affected land, the salinity can be minimized by leaching them with more water. Changing Agriculture practices- Like mixed cropping, crop rotation and cropping of plants are adopted to improve soil fertility. Ecological succession- This refers to the natural development or redevelopment of an ecosystem which help in reclaiming the minerally deficient soil of wasteland.

15. Government Initiatives for Wasteland Reclamation: Afforestation Programs : Government-sponsored afforestation projects involve planting trees and restoring vegetation on wastelands. These programs aim to combat soil erosion, improve local ecosystems, and enhance carbon sequestration. Land Reclamation Policies : Governments have implemented policies that encourage land reclamation efforts, offering incentives, subsidies, and technical support to individuals and communities willing to participate. Rural Development Schemes : Various rural development schemes prioritize wasteland reclamation as a means to boost agricultural productivity, alleviate poverty, and enhance the living standards of rural populations. Ecological Restoration Projects : Governments collaborate with environmental organizations to restore degraded ecosystems, thereby preserving biodiversity, enhancing water quality, and mitigating climate change effects. National Greening Programs : Many nations have introduced national greening initiatives, focusing on transforming wastelands into green spaces to improve the environment and overall quality of life in urban areas.

16. Impact of Government Initiatives: Environmental Rehabilitation : These initiatives have led to the restoration of critical ecosystems, improving soil health and water quality. Economic Opportunities : Wasteland reclamation programs create employment opportunities and boost local economies through agriculture, eco-tourism, and sustainable resource management. Carbon Sequestration : Afforestation efforts significantly contribute to carbon sequestration, aiding climate change mitigation. Community Empowerment : By involving communities in reclamation projects, government initiatives empower local residents and foster a sense of ownership. Biodiversity Conservation : Many government-led projects focus on protecting and restoring habitats, aiding in the conservation of native plant and animal species. Long-Term Sustainability : These initiatives promote sustainable land management practices, ensuring the long-term viability of reclaimed lands.

17. A case study of jatropha plantation Jatropha ( Jatropha curcas ) has a great ability to withstand hot weather with water scarce low fertile soil, it has very promising scope for cultivation on wastelands even in hot deserts. It also has an ability to withstand high salt concentration in soil. The tribal belt of Kumbalgarh (Udaipur) and Banswara are the leading Jatropha growing area because of the most suitable climate for its commercial plantation in these areas. Rajasthan is the leading state in Jatropha cultivation. Jatropha in the country is now being grown in about 4, 97, 881 hectares of area with the production potential around 25 million tone per year. About 90 per cent of the Jatropha cultivation is in Rajasthan. Rajasthan government is promoting its production on waste lands. Recently Rajasthan government has allotted 110 hectare of wastelands for jatropa plantation. Jatropha plant starts yielding 3rd year after planting and yield increases over the year. 'Society for Rural Initiatives for Promotion of Herbals' is the major society for promoting Jatropha cultivation. Jatropha is a promising crop for Rajasthan as it has various benefits like wasteland reclamation and reforestation, soil preparation, income generation from previously unusable areas, reducing increased demand for employment by providing opportunities for livelihood and sustainable & renewable land resources management. Various industries like bio-fuel industry, cosmetic industries, pharmaceutical industries, food industries, lubricants industries, etc. could use Jatropha.

18. Constraints in Jatropha Cultivation perceived by farmers of Rajasthan When jatropha seeds are crushed, the resulting jatropha oil can be processed to produce a high-quality biofuel or biodiesel that can be used in a standard diesel car or further processed into jet fuel, while the residue (press cake) can also be used as biomass feedstock to power electricity plants, used as fertilizer (t contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), or as animal fodder Lack of technical guidance and information Inadequate training facilities for acquiring skills about its cultivation technology Lack of suitable plantation schedule Long gestation period of Jatropha Adverse climatic and edaphic factors for the survival of plants Lack of knowledge about scientific cultivation of Jatropha Lack of awareness of economic value of Jatropha seeds

19. Future Outlook: Wasteland Reclamation for Sustainable Development Ecosystem Restoration : Focus on restoring natural ecosystems. Climate Resilience : Vital for carbon sequestration and climate adaptation. Urban Greening : Improve urban living through green spaces. Circular Economy : Support renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Technology : Advanced tools for efficient reclamation. Policy Integration : Link reclamation with broader sustainability goals. Community Engagement : Ensure local involvement and benefits. Biodiversity Conservation : Protect native species and diversity. Research and Innovation : Ongoing developments in land improvement. Wasteland reclamation will be essential for a more sustainable and resilient future, addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges.

20. Conclusion Wasteland reclamation embodies the synergy between ecological revitalization and economic prosperity. It's not a solitary effort but a collective endeavor that calls for the involvement of governments, communities, and organizations. As it aligns with global sustainability objectives, it's clear that the reclamation of our lands is the route to a more sustainable, prosperous future, offering environmental restoration and economic potential side by side.

21. References Eliot, T.S., 2013. The waste land (Liveright Classics). WW Norton & Company. Eliot, T.S. and Speaight , R., 1960. The waste land (p. 428). Ediciones Sierra Madre. Eliot, T.S., 1964. The Waste Land 1922. Grolier Club. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230516523_T_S_Eliot_The_Waste_Land Forster, E. M.  (1940).  "T.S Eliot" . Abinger Harvest (Pocket ed.). London: Edward Arnold & Co. Retrieved 7 July 2018. Reeves, Gareth (1994). T. S. Eliot's The Waste Land. New York: Harvester Wheatsheaf.  ISBN   0-7450-0738-4 . Sufian , Abu (July 2014).  "T. S. Eliot's The Waste Land: Anticlimax of Modern Life in a Claustrophobic World" . Galaxy International Multidisciplinary Research Journal.  III  (IV).  ISSN   2278-9529 . Moody, A. David (1994).  The Cambridge Companion to T. S. Eliot . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.  ISBN   0-521-42127-6 . North, Michael  (2000).  The Waste Land (Norton Critical Editions) . W. W. Norton.  ISBN   0-393-97499-5 .

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