Resource and Development Class 10 Notes Geography Chapter 1

I. Introduction

   A. Definition of a resource: Resources are elements available in our environment that can be utilized to fulfill human needs and desires.

   B. Characteristics of a resource: For something to be considered a resource, it should be technologically accessible (can be obtained using available technology), economically feasible (its extraction or utilization is financially viable), and culturally acceptable (fits within societal values and norms).

   C. Examples of resources: Some examples of resources include minerals (such as iron ore and copper), forests (providing timber and wildlife), and fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas).

II. Classification of Resources

   A. Based on origin:

      1. Biotic resources: These resources are obtained from the biosphere and have life or are derived from living organisms. Examples include human beings, fisheries, forests, and agricultural crops.

      2. Abiotic resources: Abiotic resources refer to all non-living things in the environment. This category includes rocks, minerals, air, water, and sunlight.

   B. Based on exhaustibility:

      1. Renewable resources: Renewable resources are those that can be replenished or reproduced through natural processes or human intervention. They have the potential for continuous availability. Examples include water, wind energy, solar energy, and forests.

      2. Non-renewable resources: Non-renewable resources are finite in nature and cannot be replenished once depleted. They take millions of years to form and have limited availability. Examples include fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and minerals (iron ore, gold, diamonds).

   C. Based on ownership:

      1. Individual resources: These resources are owned by individuals, such as personal land or houses.

      2. Community-owned resources: Community-owned resources are accessible to all members of a community, like public parks or playgrounds.

      3. National resources: National resources belong to the nation as a whole and include infrastructure like roads and railways.

      4. International resources: International resources are those that no individual country can fully utilize or control, such as oceanic waters beyond 200 km from the coastline.

   D. Based on status and development:

      1. Potential resources: Potential resources refer to resources present in a region but not currently being utilized due to various reasons, such as lack of technology or economic feasibility. For example, solar energy in Rajasthan or wind energy in Gujarat.

      2. Developed resources: Developed resources are those that are being actively exploited and utilized for various purposes.

      3. Reserve resources: Reserve resources are a subset of developed resources that are set aside for future use. For instance, water stored in dams or forest resources preserved for conservation purposes.

      4. Stock resources: Stock resources are available resources that currently do not have appropriate technology or means of utilization. An example could be the lack of technical knowledge to use hydrogen and oxygen as a source of energy.

III. Renewable Resources

    A. Definition and characteristics: Renewable resources are those that can be naturally replenished or reproduced within a reasonable time frame. They have the potential to sustainably meet human needs without depletion or harm to the environment.

    B. Examples of renewable resources: Examples of renewable resources include sunlight, wind energy, hydroelectric power, biomass, geothermal energy, and forests. These resources can be harnessed for various purposes such as electricity generation, heating, and agriculture.

IV. Non-renewable Resources

    A. Definition and characteristics: Non-renewable resources are limited in quantity and cannot be regenerated within a human-relevant time scale. They have taken millions of years to form and have a finite supply.

    B. Examples of non-renewable resources: Non-renewable resources include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as minerals such as iron ore, copper, gold, and rare earth elements. Once these resources are extracted and consumed, they cannot be replaced.

V. Ownership of Resources

    A. Individual resources: Individual resources are owned by individuals and can include personal land, houses, or any other private property.

    B. Community-owned resources: Community-owned resources are accessible to all members of a community and are managed collectively. Examples include public parks, playgrounds, and community forests.

    C. National resources: National resources belong to the entire nation and are managed by the government for the benefit of the country as a whole. They can include infrastructure like roads, railways, and national parks.

    D. International resources: International resources are those that extend beyond the jurisdiction of any individual country and are governed through international agreements. Examples are shared bodies of water, like oceans, and outer space.

VI. Status and Development of Resources

    A. Potential resources: Potential resources refer to resources that exist in a particular region but are not currently being utilized due to various constraints. These constraints could be technological

limitations, economic feasibility, or lack of infrastructure.

    B. Developed resources: Developed resources are those that are actively being exploited and utilized for various purposes. These resources have undergone exploration, extraction, and processing to make them technologically accessible and economically viable.

    C. Reserve resources: Reserve resources are a subset of developed resources that are set aside and preserved for future needs. They are not currently being utilized but are kept in reserve for potential use when required.

    D. Stock resources: Stock resources are available resources that are not being fully utilized due to the lack of appropriate technology or means of extraction. These resources may require further advancements in technology or investment to access and utilize them effectively.

VII. Sustainable Development

    A. Definition of sustainable development: Sustainable development refers to the approach of meeting present needs and desires without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic growth, social well-being, and environmental conservation.

    B. Importance of sustainable development: Sustainable development is crucial for ensuring long-term ecological balance, minimizing resource depletion, reducing environmental degradation, and promoting equitable and inclusive development. It aims to create a harmonious relationship between human activities and the natural environment.

VIII. Land in India

    A. Distribution of land among different relief features: In India, the land is distributed across various relief features as follows:

       1. Plains: Approximately 43% of the land in India consists of plains, which are flat or gently sloping areas. These regions are highly suitable for agriculture and human settlement.

       2. Mountains: Around 30% of the land comprises mountains, including the Himalayas and other mountain ranges. These areas are characterized by rugged terrain and high altitude.

       3. Plateaus: About 27% of the land in India is occupied by plateaus, such as the Deccan Plateau. Plateaus are elevated flat regions with undulating topography.

IX. Land Degradation

    A. Definition of land degradation: Land degradation refers to the deterioration of land quality and productivity due to various factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, improper land management practices, urbanization, and industrial activities.

    B. Causes and consequences of land degradation: Land degradation can result in soil erosion, loss of fertility, desertification, decreased agricultural productivity, biodiversity loss, water pollution, and ecological imbalance. It poses significant challenges to sustainable development and requires effective measures for mitigation.

X. Measures to Solve Land Degradation

   A. Afforestation: Planting trees and restoring vegetation cover helps prevent soil erosion, improves soil fertility, and enhances ecological balance.

   B. Proper grazing management: Implementing sustainable grazing practices, such as rotational grazing and controlling livestock numbers, helps prevent overgrazing and land degradation.

   C. Planting shelter belts: Growing rows of trees or bushes around agricultural fields helps reduce wind erosion and provides a protective barrier against soil degradation.

   D. Control of mining activities: Implementing responsible mining practices, minimizing environmental impacts, and reclamation of mined areas help mitigate land degradation caused by mining operations.

   E. Control of over-irrigation and pesticide use: Proper irrigation techniques and judicious use of pesticides and fertilizers help prevent waterlogging, salinization, and chemical contamination of land.

XI. Soil Erosion

    A. Definition and causes of soil erosion: Soil erosion refers to the removal and transport of the topsoil layer through natural agents like wind, water, and glaciers. Human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, construction, mining, and improper farming practices contribute to soil erosion.

    B. Types of erosion:

       1. Gully erosion: Running water cuts deep channels (gullies) through clayey soils, particularly observed in the Chambal basin, forming badlands and ravines.

       2. Sheet erosion: The removal of the topsoil layer over a large area in a uniform sheet-like manner, often caused by heavy rainfall or improper land management practices.

XII. Methods to Prevent Soil Erosion in Hilly Areas

     A. Contour ploughing: Ploughing along contour lines rather than vertically helps reduce water runoff and soil erosion on slopes.

     B. Terrace cultivation: Constructing terraces or steps on steep slopes helps retain water and prevent soil erosion by creating flat surfaces for farming.

     C. Strip farming: Cultivating different crops in alternating strips helps control soil erosion by reducing the impact of wind or water flow.

     D. Shelter belts: Planting rows of trees or shrubs perpendicular to the direction of prevailing winds helps reduce wind erosion in hilly areas.

XIII. Types of Soils in India

      A. Alluvial soils: These soils are found in the northern plains and eastern coastal plains, particularly in deltas. They are fertile and suitable for agriculture, rich in nutrients like potash, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen.

      B. Black soils: Also known as regur soils, they are found in the Deccan Plateau and are characterized by their dark color and high fertility. They are rich in clay content and retain moisture well.

      C. Red and yellow soils: These soils are found in areas with low rainfall, such as parts of the Deccan Plateau and eastern India. They are generally infertile due to leaching but can be suitable for certain types of crops.

      D. Laterite soils: Found in areas with high rainfall and high temperatures, such as the Western Ghats, laterite soils are typically red in color and have low fertility. They are often used for brick-making.

      E. Arid soils: Arid soils are found in arid and semiarid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat. They are sandy and saline in nature, making them less suitable for agriculture.

      F. Forest soils: Forest soils are found in densely forested areas and are rich in organic matter. They are generally fertile and support diverse plant and animal life.

XIV. Conclusion

   Understanding the classification, characteristics, and ownership of resources is crucial for sustainable development and responsible resource management. It is essential to prioritize the conservation of renewable resources, minimize the depletion of non-renewable resources, and promote equitable access and distribution of resources. Additionally, addressing land degradation, soil erosion, and implementing effective measures to preserve soil quality are vital for ensuring long-term environmental sustainability and food security.