Q. Which of the following can be cause(s) for desertification?
1. Over drafting of Groundwater
2. Overgrazing
3. Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides
Select the correct answer using the given code below-
Red Book
Red Book

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D
Notes:
  • Statement 1 is correct-Over drafting is pumping or the excessive pulling up of groundwater from underground aquifers. Its depletion causes desertification.  
  • Statement 2 is correct- If there are too many animals that are overgrazing in certain spots, it makes it difficult for the plants to grow back, which hurts the biome and makes it lose its vegetative cover 
  • Statement 3 is correct- Use of excessive amounts of fertilizers and pesticides to maximize their crop yields in the short term often leads to significant damages for the soil. In the long run, this may turn from arable into arid land over time, and it will no longer be suitable for farming purposes after a few years of excessive farming since the soil has been damaged too much over time. 

Source- Article 

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