Soil is an important resource as we obtain everything directly or indirectly from it, e.g., food, shelter, clothing, etc. It is therefore, indispensable. Its formation is a very slow process as 21/2 cm of soil is formed in one thousand years. Hence the soil must be conserved.
Formation of soil is formed due to weathering by chemical, mechanical and biological forces. Factors upon which formation of soil depend are (a) the parent rock; (b) topography or relief – soil cover is thin in hilly areas than on the plains; (c) climate – it is the most important soil forming factor; weathering, i.e., breaking or disintegration of rocks depends upon the elements of climate, i.e., heat (hot/cold), rain, wind, etc.; (d) vegetation – About 2Vi cm of soil is formed in 1000 years.
Conservation of soil (a) Afforestation combined with prevention of deforestation is the most important measure, as the roots of the trees bind the soil and prevent it from being eroded.
(b) Prevent overgrazing as roots of the grass holds the soil and prevents it from erosion.
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(c) Check dams reduce the intensity of floods.
(d) Proper methods of cultivation – (i) contour or step farming i.e. cultivation against the slope of the land prevents soil erosion, (ii) terrace farming, (iii) Bonding.
(e) Proper methods of irrigation i.e. drip irrigation or using sprinklers (fountain) for irrigation.