Question

As per Land Capability Classification, which land capability class can not be put under arable land use and agro-forestry system

• A. VI
• B. V
• C. IX
• D. VII

Hint:

Class VIII (not in options) is even more restricted (only for wildlife and recreation), but among the options provided, ______Class VII______ has the most severe limitations that prohibit both cultivation and agro-forestry.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Land capability classes represent increasing limitations for agricultural use.
While Classes I to IV are suited for crop cultivation, Classes V to VII are non-arable but remain highly valuable for permanent vegetation, forestry, pastures, and integrated agro-forestry systems.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the limitations and suitable uses of the non-arable classes:
- Class V: This land has little or no erosion hazard but has other limitations (like flooding or stony soil) that make it unsuited for cultivation. However, it is highly suitable for pasture, forestry, and agro-forestry.
- Class VI: This land has severe limitations (such as steep slopes or shallow soils) that make it unsuited for cultivation. However, it can be safely used for grazing, commercial forestry, and sustained agro-forestry.
- Class VII: This land has ______very severe limitations______ (extremely steep slopes, severe erosion, or very shallow stony soils) that make it entirely unsuited for any form of cultivation or regular agro-forestry.
Agro-forestry requires periodic management and intercropping of annuals/perennials, which would trigger disastrous erosion on Class VII lands.
Therefore, Class VII is restricted strictly to permanent pasture, controlled grazing, or natural woodland/forestry.
- Class IX does not exist in the standard Land Capability Classification system, which only spans from I to VIII.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The land capability class that cannot be put under arable use and agro-forestry is Class VII, which corresponds to option (D).