Notes

7. Over irrigation has a bad effect on environment and it leads to land degradation. It is responsible for land degradation because of the water logging which leads to the increase in the salinity and alkalinity in the soil. This problem is common and mostly seen in Punjab and Haryana.

8. Weathering is the first process of soil formation (pedogenesis). The basic input for soil to form is the weathering mantle, i.e. (the weathered material depth)
Bacteria and small creatures dwell in weathered material or transported deposits. It also serves as a home for lichens and mosses, which are inferior plant bodies
The dead remains of plants and organisms help in humus accumulation
Initially, grasses and ferns grow; later, bushes and trees start growing in these weathered areas through seeds brought in by birds and wind
In the process of plant and tree root penetration, animals bring up particles by making burrows. The weathered material mass becomes porous and sponge-like, with a capacity to retain water and permit air passage. Finally, this leads to the formation of mature soil, i.e., a complex mixture of mineral and organic products

9. There are two main factors on which the land use pattern of India depends upon. The factors are--Physical factors and Human factors :

1. Physical factors : The physical factors include climate, topography and soil types of country.

2. Human factors : The human factors comprises population density, culture and traditions, technological capability etc.