Question

The problem of land degradation can be controlled by_______.
A. Deforestation
B. Grazing of animals
C. Afforestation
D. Reducing farming and cultivation of crops

Answer 1

Hint: Soil degradation means poor soil quality, loss of nutrients and fertility, and an inability to grow crops. Land degradation is caused by a number of factors, including extreme weather conditions, especially drought, and is caused by human activities that pollute or degrade the soil and land quality.

Complete Answer:
Option A: The roots of the trees cling to the soil and keep it in place, which makes the soil more resistant to erosion during rains, strong winds or floods. Forests ward off soil erosion, which is considered to be a major cause of land degradation. Therefore, deforestation may cause more land degradation.
Option B: Excessive grazing removes the plant cover above the soil, and once the soil is exposed the roots cannot go deep into the soil and adequate soil moisture cannot be used. Excess grazing reduces the penetration of water into the soil and this causes more water to be lost from the ecosystem and run off the surface.
Option C: Planting trees can prevent land degradation; especially trees with a high root shoot ratio and high soil binding. Not just trees, plants grown on previously cleared land can restore yield to the land before it is completely lost.
Option D: When agricultural fields replace natural vegetation, the topsoil is exposed and can dry out. The diversity and number of microorganisms that help keep the soil fertile can be reduced and nutrients can be leached.
Therefore the correct answer is Option C: Afforestation.

Note: Although reducing agriculture and crop cultivation can also help restore degraded land, it must be noted that afforestation has a massive effect in improving the condition of the degraded land, and hence is the right answer. Therefore the two must not be confused.