Read the following statement given below and choose the correct alternative

Statement 1 - Land degradation is caused due to soil erosion and waterlogging

Statement 2 - Deforestation is the major cause of soil erosion

The correct answer is Option 1: Both are correct

Key Points

• Statement 1: Land degradation indeed occurs due to soil erosion and waterlogging, both of which are major contributors to the depletion of soil quality and fertility.
• Statement 2: Deforestation is one of the primary causes of soil erosion, as the removal of trees reduces the soil’s protective cover, leading to increased erosion during rainfall.

Important Points

• Soil erosion occurs when topsoil is removed by wind or water, while waterlogging results from excessive irrigation or poor drainage, both contributing to land degradation.
• Deforestation, along with improper agricultural practices and urbanization, exacerbates soil erosion by disrupting natural vegetation and reducing the land's ability to retain moisture and nutrients.

Additional Information

• Waterlogging: Occurs when the water table rises and saturates the soil, rendering it unfit for agricultural use and causing plant roots to suffocate.
• Deforestation: Leads to the loss of tree cover, reducing the soil's cohesion and increasing its vulnerability to erosion by wind and water.