Resource: A Definition

Resources are elements in our environment that can be used to fulfill our needs. They should be technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable.

Key Facts

  1. Definition of Resources: Resources are elements in our environment that can be used to fulfill our needs. They should be technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable.
  2. Classification of Resources: Resources can be classified based on various factors:
    • On the basis of origin: Biotic (obtained from the biosphere) and abiotic (composed of non-living things).
    • On the basis of exhaustibility: Renewable (can be renewed or reproduced) and non-renewable (occur over a long geological time).
    • On the basis of ownership: Individual, community, national, and international.
    • On the basis of the status of development: Potential (found but not utilized), developed stock (surveyed and determined for utilization), and reserves (subset of stock that can be put into use).
  3. Development of Resources: Indiscriminate use of resources has led to depletion, accumulation in few hands, and global ecological crises. Sustainable economic development aims to balance development with environmental needs and the needs of future generations.
  4. Resource Planning: Resource planning is essential for the sustainable existence of all forms of life. It involves identifying and inventorying resources, developing appropriate technology and institutions, and aligning resource development plans with national development plans.
  5. Land Resources: Land is a crucial natural resource that supports various activities. It is classified based on land utilization, including forests, barren and wasteland, fallow lands, net sown area, etc. Land degradation is a significant issue caused by human activities like deforestation and mining.
  6. Soil as a Resource: Soil is a renewable natural resource that supports plant growth and sustains life. It takes millions of years to form and is influenced by factors like parent rock, climate, vegetation, and time. Soils in India are classified based on factors like color, texture, and chemical properties.

Classification of Resources

Resources can be classified based on various factors:

On the Basis of Origin

  • Biotic: Obtained from the biosphere.
  • Abiotic: Composed of non-living things.

On the Basis of Exhaustible

  • Renewable: Can be renewed or reproduced.
  • Non-renewable: Occur over a long geological time.

On the Basis of Ownership

  • Individual: Owned privately by individuals.
  • Community: Accessible to all community members.
  • National: Owned by a nation or country.
  • International: Regulated by international institutions.

On the Basis of the Status of Development

  • Potential: Found but not utilized.
  • Developed Stock: Surveyed and determined for utilization.
  • Reserves: Subset of stock that can be put into use.

Development of Resources

Indiscriminate use of resources has led to depletion, accumulation in few hands, and global ecological crises. Sustainable economic development aims to balance development with environmental needs and the needs of future generations.

Resource Planning

Resource planning is essential for the sustainable existence of all forms of life. It involves identifying and inventorying resources, developing appropriate technology and institutions, and aligning resource development plans with national development plans.

Land Resources

Land is a crucial natural resource that supports various activities. It is classified based on land utilization, including forests, barren and wasteland, fallow lands, net sown area, etc. Land degradation is a significant issue caused by human activities like deforestation and mining.

Soil as a Resource

Soil is a renewable natural resource that supports plant growth and sustains life. It takes millions of years to form and is influenced by factors like parent rock, climate, vegetation, and time. Soils in India are classified based on factors like color, texture, and chemical properties.

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FAQs

What are resources?

Resources are elements in our environment that can be used to fulfill our needs. They should be technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable.

How are resources classified?

Resources can be classified based on various factors, including origin (biotic and abiotic), exhaustibility (renewable and non-renewable), ownership (individual, community, national, and international), and status of development (potential, developed stock, and reserves).

What is the importance of resource planning?

Resource planning is essential for the sustainable existence of all forms of life. It involves identifying and inventorying resources, developing appropriate technology and institutions, and aligning resource development plans with national development plans.

What are the major types of land resources?

The major types of land resources include forests, barren and wasteland, fallow lands, and net sown area.

What is soil, and why is it considered a resource?

Soil is a renewable natural resource that supports plant growth and sustains life. It takes millions of years to form and is influenced by factors like parent rock, climate, vegetation, and time.

What are the different types of soil found in India?

The different types of soil found in India include alluvial soil, black soil, red and yellow soil, laterite soil, arid soil, and forest soil.

What is land degradation, and what are its causes?

Land degradation is the deterioration of land resources due to human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, mining, and improper irrigation practices.

What are some measures to prevent soil erosion?

Some measures to prevent soil erosion include contour plowing, terrace cultivation, strip cropping, and planting shelter belts of trees.