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Referring to a semi-arid or rainforest area you have studied: (a) describe strategies used to manage rural land degradation, and (b) comment on the effectiveness of these strategies. - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 11 - 2019
Question 11
Referring to a semi-arid or rainforest area you have studied: (a) describe strategies used to manage rural land degradation, and (b) comment on the effectiveness o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Referring to a semi-arid or rainforest area you have studied: (a) describe strategies used to manage rural land degradation, and (b) comment on the effectiveness of these strategies. - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 11 - 2019
Step 1
describe strategies used to manage rural land degradation
Answer
There are several strategies employed to manage rural land degradation, particularly in rainforest areas:
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Agroforestry: This involves the integration of trees with crops, allowing for multiple benefits. Trees provide shade, reduce soil erosion, and enhance biodiversity while crops can improve soil health through organic matter. This dual approach minimizes land degradation by improving soil quality and water retention.
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Reforestation: Planting native species in degraded areas helps restore ecological balance. Reforestation can help in rebuilding habitats for wildlife, improving soil structure, and enhancing water infiltration, ultimately reducing erosion.
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Crop Rotation: This practice involves alternating crops in a specific sequence over seasons. It enhances soil fertility, disrupts pest cycles, and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers, leading to improved soil health.
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Terracing: In steep terrains, terracing is used to create flat areas for farming. This minimizes runoff and soil erosion, making the land more sustainable for agricultural practices.
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Conservation Tillage: This method involves minimizing soil disturbance during planting, which helps maintain soil structure and prevent erosion. The practice encourages the retention of organic matter and moisture in the soil.
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Use of Cover Crops: Planting cover crops during off-seasons helps prevent soil erosion and enhances soil fertility. These crops protect the soil from leaching of essential nutrients.
These strategies work in tandem to create a sustainable approach to land management.
Step 2
comment on the effectiveness of these strategies
Answer
The effectiveness of these strategies can be analyzed as follows:
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Agroforestry: This strategy has proven effective as it improves yield stability and resilience against climate impacts while promoting biodiversity. Farmers experience better crop yields due to enhanced soil moisture retention.
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Reforestation: It has been effective in restoring biodiversity and improving ecosystem services. However, success depends on the selection of appropriate species and community involvement for sustainable management.
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Crop Rotation: This method shows significant effectiveness in maintaining soil fertility and pest management, leading to healthier crops. However, it requires knowledge and planning to implement effectively.
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Terracing: While effective in controlling erosion, it can be labor-intensive and costly to establish. Nonetheless, once in place, it significantly reduces soil loss in hilly areas.
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Conservation Tillage: This approach is effective in maintaining soil health and moisture levels, but requires a shift in traditional farming practices, which may not be well received by all farmers.
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Use of Cover Crops: This strategy is beneficial for long-term soil health and erosion control, but it may limit land access for primary crops during certain seasons, which can be a drawback for some farmers.
Overall, while these strategies have shown positive outcomes, their success largely depends on local conditions, farmer engagement, and consistent management practices.