Arrange the following options in a sequential manner to demonstrate degradation caused by improper resource utilisation and maintenance.
A. Barren patches of land that become large and lead to desertification
B. Fertile top soil can be removed easily by over cultivation
C. Deposition of thin crust of salt on land surface
D. Unrestricted grazing of animals
E. Irrigation without proper drainage of water leading to water logging in the soil
Choose the correct answer from the options given below
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → B, D, E, C, A
B. Fertile top soil can be removed easily by over cultivation — first. Fertile top soil takes centuries to form. Over-cultivation removes it quickly, and the land starts to lose its fertility.
D. Unrestricted grazing of animals — second. Grazing animals strip the plant cover that holds the soil. Bare soil is then easily eroded by wind and water.
E. Irrigation without proper drainage of water leading to water logging in the soil — third. When fields are irrigated but the extra water cannot drain away, the soil becomes waterlogged. Waterlogging draws salt up to the surface of the soil.
C. Deposition of thin crust of salt on land surface — fourth. The salt brought up by waterlogging is deposited as a thin crust on the land. This salty soil harms crops.
A. Barren patches of land that become large and lead to desertification — last. Land that has lost its top soil and become salty turns into arid, barren patches. When these patches grow and meet, a desert is formed.
Note: This question is from Chapter 16, Environmental Issues, of the pre-rationalised NCERT book. This chapter is not in the present NCERT book (2026-27). The extract below is from the pre-rationalised edition.
NCERT Extract (Pre-rationalised edition, Chapter 16, Environmental Issues):
Degradation by Improper Resource Utilisation and Maintenance – “… Soil erosion and desertification: The development of the fertile top-soil takes centuries. But, it can be removed very easily due to human activities like over-cultivation, unrestricted grazing, deforestation and poor irrigation practices, resulting in arid patches of land. When large barren patches extend and meet over time, a desert is created. Internationally, it has been recognised that desertification is a major problem nowadays, particularly due to increased urbanisation. Waterlogging and soil salinity: Irrigation without proper drainage of water leads to waterlogging in the soil. Besides affecting the crops, waterlogging draws salt to the surface of the soil. The salt then is deposited as a thin crust on the land surface or starts collecting at the roots of the plants. This increased salt content is inimical to the growth of crops and is extremely damaging to agriculture.”