Volume : 10, Issue : 7, JUL 2024

“PATTERNS, PROCESSES, AND IMPACTS OF SOIL DEGRADATION IN RAJASTHAN”!

BABULAL MEENA

Abstract

Soil degradation in Rajasthan, India’s largest and one of the driest states, poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and rural livelihoods. This paper investigates the spatial extent, drivers, and socio-economic impacts of soil degradation across the diverse agro-climatic zones of Rajasthan. Approximately 60% of Rajasthan’s geographical area, equivalent to about 20.4 million hectares, is affected by various forms of soil degradation, primarily wind erosion (56%), water erosion (42%), and chemical degradation including salinity and sodality (2%). The degradation accelerates desertification and lowers land productivity, creating economic losses estimated in billions of Indian Rupees annually. This study synthesises insights from recent soil surveys, GIS mapping, satellite imagery, and field data, focusing on both western arid zones and more humid eastern districts. The findings highlight critical hotspots such as Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Barmer, Bhilwara, and Udaipur, emphasise the interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors, and explore existing government policies and restoration efforts. Enhanced conservation practices, community engagement, and climate-smart agriculture are recommended to mitigate degradation and secure long-term land health in Rajasthan.

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IESRJ

International Educational Scientific Research Journal

E-ISSN: 2455-295X

International Indexed Journal | Multi-Disciplinary Refereed Research Journal

ISSN: 2455-295X

Peer-Reviewed Journal - Equivalent to UGC Approved Journal

Peer-Reviewed Journal

Article No : 21

Number of Downloads : 359

References

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