Question

Given below are two statements:

Statement (I): Soil and water conservation consists of prevention and control of soil erosion caused due to water. It also includes conserving rain water and soil moisture for the purpose of crop production.

Statement (II): Soil erosion severely affects hilly areas because of steep slopes.

In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

Think about why erosion is generally worse on steep land compared to flat land, and what the basic goal of soil and water conservation is.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Check Statement (I). Soil and water conservation is defined as the set of measures taken to prevent and control soil erosion caused by water, while also holding on to rain water and soil moisture so that crops can use it later. This is the standard textbook definition, so Statement (I) is correct.

Step 2: Check Statement (II). On steep, hilly slopes, rain water runs off fast and picks up speed, which increases its carrying power and the shear force it exerts on the soil surface. This is exactly why hilly and mountainous regions show much more severe soil erosion than flat land. So Statement (II) is also correct.

Step 3: Since both statements state accepted facts about soil and water conservation and about slope driven erosion, both are correct, matching option 1.