Observe the statements regarding agriculture in Maharashtra :

(a) Soil erosion is not a serious problem in agriculture.

(b) Soil erosion takes place due to flooding in rivers, forest cutting and uncontrolled grazing.

(c) Soils are saline due to over-irrigation.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

Soil Erosion -

• Soil Erosion is a serious problem for productive agricultural land and for water quality concerns. Hence statement (a) is incorrect.
• It is the natural process of wearing away topsoil, but human activities have accelerated the process.
• It is usually caused due to the removal of vegetation, or any activity that renders the ground dry.
• The main cause of soil erosion are flooding of rivers, forest cutting, Farming, grazing, mining, construction, and recreational activities are some of the causes of soil erosion. Hence statement (b) is correct.
• The flowing rivers and streams carry away the soil particles leading to a V-shaped erosion activity.
• The effects of soil erosion are not just land degradation.
• Degraded lands lose the water holding capacity resulting in floods.
• Salinity from irrigation can occur over time wherever irrigation occurs since almost all water contains some dissolved salts. Hence statement (c) is correct.
• When the plants use the water, the salts are left behind in the soil and eventually begin to accumulate.