Resources and Development
Everything we use to meet our needs comes from resources, but they are limited and unevenly spread. This Class 10 Geography chapter classifies resources, explains why planning and sustainable development matter, and looks at land and soil as vital resources along with their degradation and conservation.
Learning objectives
- Classify resources on different bases.
- Explain resource planning and sustainable development.
- Describe land use and land degradation.
- Identify India's major soil types and conservation methods.
Key concepts
What is a resource and its classification
A resource is anything in our environment that can be used to satisfy our needs, provided it is technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable. Resources are classified by origin (biotic and abiotic), by exhaustibility (renewable and non-renewable), by ownership (individual, community, national, international), and by status of development (potential, developed, stock and reserves).
Resource planning and sustainable development
Because resources are limited and unevenly distributed, resource planning is essential for balanced development. Sustainable development means using resources to meet present needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs. The Rio Earth Summit (1992) and Agenda 21 highlighted the global need for sustainable use of resources.
Land use and land degradation
Land is a finite natural resource used for farming, forests, settlements, industry and more. Human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, mining and over-irrigation cause land degradation. It can be reduced through afforestation, proper grazing management, planting shelter belts and controlling mining waste.
Soils of India and conservation
Soil is a renewable resource that takes thousands of years to form. India's main soils are alluvial (most fertile, in the plains), black or regur (good for cotton), red and yellow, laterite, arid and forest soils. Soil erosion by water and wind is checked through contour ploughing, terrace farming, strip cropping and shelter belts.
Key definitions
- Resource
- Anything in the environment that can be used to satisfy human needs.
- Sustainable development
- Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
- Land degradation
- The decline in the quality and productivity of land.
- Alluvial soil
- Fertile soil deposited by rivers, found mainly in the plains.
Solved examples
Q1. Which soil is most widespread and fertile in India?
Solution: Alluvial soil, found in the northern plains.
Q2. Name a method to prevent soil erosion on slopes.
Solution: Terrace farming (or contour ploughing).
Q3. In which year was the Rio Earth Summit held?
Solution: 1992.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing renewable with non-renewable resources.
- Thinking soil forms quickly (it takes thousands of years).
- Mixing up black soil (cotton) with alluvial soil (plains).
- Treating sustainable development as 'using no resources at all'.
Resources and Development — MCQ Quiz
10 questions with instant feedback. Use number keys 1–4 to answer.
Resources classified by exhaustibility are renewable and:
Practice questions
Short answer
What is a resource?
Anything in the environment usable to satisfy human needs (if accessible and feasible).
Name the soil best for cotton.
Black (regur) soil.
What is sustainable development?
Meeting present needs without harming future generations' ability to meet theirs.
Long answer
Explain the classification of resources on different bases.
Resources can be classified in several ways. On the basis of origin, they are biotic (from living things, like plants and animals) or abiotic (from non-living things, like minerals and metals). On the basis of exhaustibility, they are renewable (which can be renewed, like solar energy and water) or non-renewable (which take very long to form, like coal and petroleum). On the basis of ownership, they may be individual, community, national or international. On the basis of the status of development, they are potential (found but not yet used), developed (surveyed and in use), stock (present but not usable with current technology) or reserves (a part of stock that can be used in future). This classification helps in planning their proper use.
Describe the major soil types of India and how soil can be conserved.
India has a variety of soils. Alluvial soil, deposited by rivers, is the most widespread and fertile and covers the northern plains. Black or regur soil, found in the Deccan, holds moisture well and is ideal for cotton. Red and yellow soil develops on crystalline rocks in areas of low rainfall. Laterite soil forms in regions of high temperature and heavy rain. Arid soils are sandy and found in dry regions, while forest soils occur in hilly areas. To conserve soil and prevent erosion, farmers use methods such as contour ploughing along the slope, terrace farming on hillsides, strip cropping, and planting shelter belts of trees to reduce wind erosion.
HOTS (Higher Order Thinking)
Why is it said that 'resources are not, they become'?
Because a substance becomes a resource only when humans have the technology, accessibility and economic ability to use it; otherwise it remains merely a part of nature.
How does over-irrigation lead to land degradation?
Excess irrigation raises the water table and brings salts to the surface, causing waterlogging and salinity that reduce the land's fertility.
Quick revision
Revision notes
- Resource = usable part of environment (needs technology + feasibility).
- Classified by origin, exhaustibility, ownership, development status.
- Sustainable development; Rio Earth Summit 1992; Agenda 21.
- Soils: alluvial, black (cotton), red-yellow, laterite, arid, forest; conserve via contour/terrace/shelter belts.
Key takeaways
- Resources are limited and need planning.
- Sustainable development protects the future.
- India's soils vary; conservation prevents erosion.
Frequently asked questions
What are renewable resources?
Resources that can be renewed or reproduced, such as solar energy, water and forests.
Which soil suits cotton?
Black (regur) soil.
What did Agenda 21 promote?
Global sustainable development and careful use of resources.