Theme 2: Degradation & Depletion of Natural Resources & Utilisation of land

Unit 1: Utilisation of Land and its Resources

Topic & Major Objective

Subject Content

Knowledge expected

Agriculture

Soil erosion & desertification

Major causes:

a) Overgrazing

b) Deforestation

c) Climate change

d) Over-cultivation

Major impacts:

a) Gullying,

b) Loss of nutrients & top-soil,

c) Water logging & salinization.

Agriculture has become one of the major activities which involves the utilisation of vast areas of land. It is a human activity that may have adverse effects on the environment (short & long-term).

A discussion should allow candidates to investigate the process of desertification as the result of destruction of arable land as well as the continuous expansion of existing deserts. Candidates are expected to be aware of the major causes and resultant impacts of soil erosion.

Water pollution:

a) Silting of water bodies.

b) Leachates of pesticides & fertilisers.

c) Run-off of particulate & organic matter.

Candidates should be aware of how agriculture effects water reservoirs. Discussions should refer to specific examples.

Air pollution:

a) Acid rain

b) Methane

c) Particulates

Candidates should become aware that agriculture has an adverse effect on air quality.

Reduction of biodiversity:

a) Monocropping

b) Clearing of land

c) Use of pesticides

d) Genetically modified crops

An explanation on why and how each of these practices endangers biodiversity.

Knowledge of the biotechnological principles of genetically modified crops will NOT be included or assessed here.

Soil conservation techniques:

a) Terracing

b) Windbreaks

c) Multicropping

d) Contour farming

e) Reducing ploughing

f) Alternation of land use

An explanation to demonstrate the basic principles and advantages of each technique to allow candidates to fully understand soil conservation..

Sustainable agricultural practices:

a) Biological pest control.

b) Reduction in the use of pesticides & herbicides

c) Reduction in the use of chemical fertilisers

d) Improved agricultural practices & reduction of arable land degradation

Candidates are expected to be knowledgeable about issues related to sustainable agriculture and be able to show that this is an attainable goal.

Specific examples of sustainable agricultural practices should be given and explained.