Problem Related to Soil conservation.pptx

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1. MIRJAM NILSSON​ Problem Related to Soil Conservation Presented by Md. Rased Hasan Sojib Roll : 23221333 Reg. No: 55969 Course Title: Land Degradation and Management Course: ENVS505

2. Outline Introduction Major Causes Of Soil Degradation Causes of Soil Erosion   Soil Erosion Related Problem to Soil Conservation Decline of Soil Fertility Waterlogging Salinity Shifting / Jhum Cultivation Chemical Contamination Consequences of Soil Conservation Problems Ten Good Reasons To Practice Soil Conservation Taking Action for Soil Conservation Conclusion 2

3. Introduction Soil conservation is a " combination " of practices used to protect the soil from degradation. First and foremost, soil conservation involves treating the soil as a living ecosystem, and recognizing that all the organisms that make the soil their home, play important roles in producing a fertile healthy environment. It provides us with food, filters our water, regulates the climate, and supports a myriad of ecosystems However, this vital resource is under immense pressure from various human activities, leading to a range of soil conservation problems that threaten our very existence. 3

4. Major Causes Of Soil Degradation  4

5. Causes of Soil Erosion Natural Factors Rainfall: Heavy rainfall can cause the soil to become loose and easily eroded. Wind: Strong winds can carry away the top layer of soil, especially in areas with little vegetation. Human Activities Deforestation: Removing trees and vegetation reduces the stability of the soil, making it more prone to erosion. Improper Land Management: Poor farming practices, such as overgrazing and improper irrigation, can lead to soil erosion. Construction: Construction activities can disturb the soil and expose it to erosion. 5

6. Soil Erosion Related Problem to Soil Conservation The fertility of topsoil will be lost. Nutrients content will decline as they are washed away by erosion. The underground water level will be reduced. Loss of vegetation and habitat. Drought and flood become frequent. Rivers get dried off. Adversely affect the economy and culture. Natural hideouts are formed when gully erosion occurs (Ex: Chambal valley was famous for criminal’s hideout). 6

7. Decline of Soil Fertility Frequent cropping, Unscientific rotation of crops, Extensive and excessive use of chemical fertilizers, Too much use of chemical pesticides. Land should leave uncultivated for a period and let to retain its fertility. Cropping after cropping will leave the land unfertile. Leguminous plants can be cultivated in intervals which will increase the fertility of the soil. 7 presentation title Figure: Decline of Soil Fertility

8. Waterlogging If there is no proper drainage system in the land, the land will become waterlogged. This results in the saturation of crops. The normal circulation of air will not be possible due to waterlogging and the amount of oxygen in the soil will decline. Construction of a proper drainage system to allow water to flow away from the land is the best way to reduce waterlogging. 8 presentation title Figure: Waterlogging

9. Salinity The soil will become saline or alkaline in low rainfall areas. Rajasthan is an example. When the seawater enters the land, the soil becomes saline. The presence of calcium carbonate beneath ( kankar ) the soil will act as impermeable to water and water gets logged as happened in Indira Gandhi canal regions of Rajasthan. If the soil contains salt content, it will spread to the whole land due to this. 9 presentation title Figure: Salinity

10. Shifting / Jhum Cultivation It is a type of slash and burns method of cultivation. After reaping the crops, the land (usually the forest) is slashed and burned. The next cultivation will be in another plot and the burned land will let uncultivated for a period. In the early periods, the gap between two cultivations in land was 10-20 years. Due to population increase and availability of land is reduced, the gap decreased to merely 2-3 years. This causes major deforestation, environmental pollution, loss of habitat for wild animals etc. The burning of forests results in soil erosion and gradual degradation of soil. 10

11. Chemical Contamination The overuse of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture can pollute the soil with harmful chemicals. These chemicals can seep into groundwater, contaminating drinking water sources and harming ecosystems. 11 Figur e : Chemical Contamination

12. Consequences of Soil Conservation Problems The consequences of neglecting soil conservation are far-reaching and dire. They include: Reduced Food Production: Soil degradation and erosion directly impact agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages and malnutrition. Water Scarcity: Loss of soil organic matter reduces the soil's ability to retain water, leading to increased water scarcity and competition for this vital resource. Climate Change: Degraded soils have a reduced capacity to store carbon, exacerbating climate change and its associated impacts. Loss of Biodiversity: The decline in soil health and biodiversity threatens the survival of numerous plant and animal species, disrupting ecosystems and impacting food webs. 12

13. Ten Good Reasons to Practice Soil Conservation To maintain an adequate amount of organic matter and biological life in the soil. These two components account for 90 to 95 percent of the total soil productivity. To ensure a secure food supply at reasonable prices. Soil conservation is proven to increase the quality and quantity of crop yields over the long term because it keeps topsoil in its place and preserves the long term productivity of the soil. To grow enough food not only for ourselves; but also for people in third would countries where there are food shortages. To save farmers money. Erosion is currently costing farmers over $90 million a year in lost income due to lower crop yields, and the loss of nutrients from the soil. 13

14. Cont.…. To improve water quality. All forms of life need clean water to survive. Agricultural and urban soil erosion are major sources of sedimentation and contamination of water supplies. To improve wildlife habitat. Soil conservation practices such as providing buffer strips and windbreaks, or replacing soil organic matter, greatly enhance the quality of the environment for wildlife of all kinds. To help create an environment free of pollution where we can live safely. For the future of our children, so that they may have enough soil to support life. It has been said that the land has not so much been given to us by our forefathers, but has been borrowed from our children. 14

15. Taking Action for Soil Conservation Fortunately, there are various solutions and best practices we can adopt to address soil conservation problems and protect this vital resource. These include: Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Implementing no-till farming, cover cropping, crop rotation, and integrated pest management can help to improve soil health and reduce erosion. Afforestation and Reforestation: Planting trees and restoring forests not only protect soil from erosion but also improve soil quality and biodiversity. Land Use Planning: Implementing well-informed land-use planning policies can help to prevent soil degradation and promote sustainable use of land resources. Raising Awareness and Education: Educating farmers, policymakers, and the general public about the importance of soil conservation is crucial for promoting widespread adoption of sustainable practices. 15 presentation title

16. Soil Conservation Methods Afforestation. Contour ploughing (cultivation against the direction of the wind). Strip cultivation (cultivation in strips). Flood control by government initiatives. Reclamation of badlands. Windbreaks inland; like trees at borders. Organic farming. Control/restrict shifting cultivation. Construction of proper drainage. Levelling of gullies, ravines etc. Control of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the market. Proper awareness about the need for conservation. 16 presentation title

17. Conclusion Soil conservation is not just an environmental issue; it is a critical battle for our future. By recognizing the threats posed by soil conservation problems and taking decisive action, we can protect this precious resource and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for generations to come. Let us all become stewards of the soil, working together to preserve this vital foundation for life on Earth. 17 presentation title

18. References Alam, M. and Jilani, G. State of Environment ( SoE ) Reporting in Bangladesh, Bangladesh , Environmental News . Volume 9 , No. 1, January to March 1998 ADB-UNDP-GOB, Forestry Sector Master Plan Bangladesh , November 1996 BARC, Land degradation situation in Bangladesh December 1998, BARC BBS, Statistical Year Book of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics , Ministry of Planning, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 1997 BEN, Seminars/ Workshops on Biodiversity Management, Bangladesh Environmental News , Volume 10 No. 2, December 1999 Karim, Z., Ibrahim. A., Iqbal, A. and Ahmed M. Drought in Bangladesh Agriculture and Irrigation Schedules for Major Crops, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council , Dhaka, 1990. 18

19. Thank you! 19