1. What are localized resources?

The resources found only in certain places of the earth are called localized resources. They include copper, bauxite, gold etc are localized resources.

2. Define sustainable development

Balancing the need to use resources and also conserving them for the future generation is called sustainable development. It meant carefully utilizing the resources so that besides meeting the requirements of the present, also can take care of future generations.

3. Describe about the Resource planning in India.

Resource planning is a complex process which includes:

• Identification and inventory of resources across the regions of the country. This involves surveying, mapping and qualitative and quantitative estimation and measurement of the resources.
• Evolving a planning structure endowed with appropriate technology skill and institutional set up for implementing resource development plans.
• Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans.

4.List out the uses of land resources

Land resources are used for the following purposes:-

     (i)  Forests

    (ii) Land not available for cultivation including

• Barren and waste land.
• Land put to non-agricultural uses. Example: buildings, roads, factories etc.

   (iii) Other uncultivated land (excluding fallow land)

• Permanent pastures and grazing land.
• Land under miscellaneous tree crops, groves (not included in net sown area).
• Cultivable waste land (left uncultivated for more than 5 agricultural years).

  (iv) Fallow lands

• Current fallow - (left without cultivation for one or less than one agricultural year).
• Other than current fallow - (Left uncultivated for the past 1 to 5 agricultural years).

  (v) Net sown area

5. What do you understand by gross cropped area

Area sown more than once in an agricultural year plus net sown area is known as gross cropped area.

6. Describe the land use pattern in India.

The use of land is determined both by physical factors such as topography, climate, soil types as well as human factors such as population density, technological capability and culture and traditions etc. Total geographical area of India is 3.28 million sq km. Land use data, however is available only for 93% of the total area because the land use reporting for most of the north-east states except Assam has not been done fully.

7. Briefly explain the characteristics of alluvial soils in India

Alluvial soil is the most widely spread and important soil type of India. In fact, the entire northern plains are made of alluvial soil.These have been deposited by three important Himalayan river systems, the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. These soils also extend in Rajasthan and Gujarat through a narrow corridor. Alluvial soil is also found in the eastern coastal plains particularly in the deltas of the Mahanadi, the Godavari,the Krishna and the Kaveri rivers.

8. Prepare a note on the characteristics of black soils in India

Black soils are black in color and are also known as regur soils. They are ideal for growing cotton and is also known as black cotton soil. It is believed that climatic conditions along with the parent rock material are the important factors for the formation of black soil.

9. Identify features of red soil  in India

Red soil is formed by the breaking down of igneous rocks which are red because of iron minerals. This soil is good for the cultivation of oil seeds and millets.

10. Make a note on the characteristics of laterite soil in India

The soil which is very poor in mineral content is called laterite soil. It develops in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall. This is the result of intense leaching due to heavy rain. Laterite soils are suitable for cultivation with adequate doses of manures and fertilizers.

11.Mention the characteristics mountain soil in India

Mountains bear forests. The fallen leaves and decaying vegetation add manure to the mountain soil, making it fertile. Mountain soils take too much time to complete its formation.

12. What are the characteristics of desert soil in India?

Desert soil is heavily laden with sand. The desert areas of Rajasthan possess this type of soil. Since this soil is devoid of any moisture, vegetation is normally not possible. However if water is made available, various types of vegetables and fruits can be grown in this soil.

13. Define soil.

Soil can be defined as the uppermost layer of the crust of Earth, which permits plants and other organisms to grow in it.

14. How is residual soil are formed?

Residual soil are formed from the rocks at one place only without the particles moving to some other place. In it all the processes of weathering, pedogenesis and soil profile take place at the native place of the rock itself.

15. What are transported soils?

Transported soils are those which are formed from the rocks which come down to some other place and then weathering and other processes take place on them.

16. Analyses how are laterite soils are formed?

Laterite soils are formed in situ as a result of leaching of essential silicates under typical monsoonal conditions in hilly areas where there are high temperatures and heavy rainfall with alternating wet and dry seasons.

17. How soils are important to man?

Most of our food items like cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, milk, clothing, etc., are obtained directly or indirectly from the soil. A large number of human and economic activities depend on the soil. Fertile soil attracts a large number of people and human settlements too.

18. Name the most widespread transported soil of India? 

Alluvial soil is the most widespread transported soil in India.

19. State the two most important factors that determine the various types of soils found in India.

Climate and parent rock are the two major factors that determine the various types of soils found in India.

20. Why should we take steps to conserve soil?

Soil is the mother of all plants without which no human being can survive, so we must take necessary steps for its conservation. 2.5 cm thick layer of soil takes thousands of years to form.