Which of the following factors leads to soil degradation? 1. Mulching 2. Overgrazing 3. Rain wash 4. Overuse of chemical fertilisers Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is (b) 2, 3 and 4 only. Explanation Soil degradation refers to the decline in soil quality caused by its improper use or poor management, usually for agricultural, industrial, or urban purposes. It involves the physical, chemical, and biological deterioration of soil. Conversely, soil conservation methods aim to protect soil from erosion and maintain its fertility. Statement-wise Analysis - 1. Mulching: Incorrect. Mulching is a soil conservation method, not a cause of degradation. It involves covering the bare ground between plants with a layer of organic matter like straw. This helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and prevents soil erosion. - 2. Overgrazing: Correct. Overgrazing by livestock removes the vegetative cover that protects the soil. Without grass and roots to bind the soil, it becomes loose and highly susceptible to erosion by wind and water, leading to degradation. - 3. Rain wash: Correct. Rain wash refers to the removal of the top layer of soil by the force of running water (surface runoff). This is a primary form of soil erosion, which physically degrades the land by stripping away nutrient-rich topsoil. - 4. Overuse of chemical fertilisers: Correct. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers alters the natural chemical balance of the soil. It can kill beneficial soil microorganisms, increase soil acidity or alkalinity, and reduce long-term fertility, thereby causing chemical degradation. Key Takeaway: Soil degradation is driven by factors like deforestation, overgrazing, rain wash, and chemical overuse, whereas techniques like mulching, contour barriers, and terrace farming are used for soil conservation.

NCERT Class 8 Geography — Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

mcqeasy

Which of the following factors leads to soil degradation?

Mulching
Overgrazing
Rain wash
Overuse of chemical fertilisers

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (b) 2, 3 and 4 only.

Explanation

Soil degradation refers to the decline in soil quality caused by its improper use or poor management, usually for agricultural, industrial, or urban purposes. It involves the physical, chemical, and biological deterioration of soil. Conversely, soil conservation methods aim to protect soil from erosion and maintain its fertility.

Statement-wise Analysis

1. Mulching: Incorrect. Mulching is a soil conservation method, not a cause of degradation. It involves covering the bare ground between plants with a layer of organic matter like straw. This helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and prevents soil erosion.
2. Overgrazing: Correct. Overgrazing by livestock removes the vegetative cover that protects the soil. Without grass and roots to bind the soil, it becomes loose and highly susceptible to erosion by wind and water, leading to degradation.
3. Rain wash: Correct. Rain wash refers to the removal of the top layer of soil by the force of running water (surface runoff). This is a primary form of soil erosion, which physically degrades the land by stripping away nutrient-rich topsoil.
4. Overuse of chemical fertilisers: Correct. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers alters the natural chemical balance of the soil. It can kill beneficial soil microorganisms, increase soil acidity or alkalinity, and reduce long-term fertility, thereby causing chemical degradation.

Key Takeaway: Soil degradation is driven by factors like deforestation, overgrazing, rain wash, and chemical overuse, whereas techniques like mulching, contour barriers, and terrace farming are used for soil conservation.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of population and land resources: 1. Ninety per cent of the world’s population occupies only thirty per cent of the land area. 2. Areas with steep slopes and rugged topography are generally densely populated. 3. Plains and river valleys are densely populated due to suitability for agriculture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following factors are considered "Physical Factors" determining land use? 1. Topography 2. Population 3. Soil 4. Technology 5. Minerals Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

With reference to 'Common Property Resources', consider the following statements: 1. Common Property Resources refer exclusively to land owned by private individuals. 2. Community lands are also known as Common Property Resources. 3. Encroachment on these lands is observed primarily to expand agricultural land in urban areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

Which of the following are cited as major threats to the environment resulting from the expansion of agriculture and construction activities? 1. Land degradation 2. Landslides 3. Soil erosion 4. Desertification Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

Consider the following methods for the conservation of land resources: 1. Deforestation 2. Land reclamation 3. Regulated use of chemical pesticides 4. Checks on overgrazing Which of the methods given above are to check land degradation?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is (b) 2, 3 and 4 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

1. Mulching: Incorrect. Mulching is a soil conservation method, not a cause of degradation. It involves covering the bare ground between plants with a layer of organic matter like straw. This helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and prevents soil erosion.
2. Overgrazing: Correct. Overgrazing by livestock removes the vegetative cover that protects the soil. Without grass and roots to bind the soil, it becomes loose and highly susceptible to erosion by wind and water, leading to degradation.
3. Rain wash: Correct. Rain wash refers to the removal of the top layer of soil by the force of running water (surface runoff). This is a primary form of soil erosion, which physically degrades the land by stripping away nutrient-rich topsoil.
4. Overuse of chemical fertilisers: Correct. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers alters the natural chemical balance of the soil. It can kill beneficial soil microorganisms, increase soil acidity or alkalinity, and reduce long-term fertility, thereby causing chemical degradation.