Land Use Categories| Class 12 Geography Notes

The land is a vital and precious resource. It is the foundation for various forms of life and human activities. It supports agriculture, urban development, and natural habitats. In this article, you are going to get detailed notes on Chapter 3: Land Use Categories from your Class 12 Geography textbook.

What is Land Use?

Land use involves any activity that changes the natural state of the land, whether temporarily or permanently. It’s a process guided by social and economic objectives, transforming land for different purposes over time. The value of land significantly depends on how it is utilized, impacting both small and large areas economically.

Land Use Categories

• Land-use records are meticulously maintained by the Land Revenue Department, which categorizes land into various classifications that collectively constitute the reporting area. This differs somewhat from the geographical area, which is precisely measured by the Survey of India for administrative units across India. While land use categories may fluctuate based on estimates within land revenue records, geographical area measurements remain fixed according to the Survey of India’s data.

These land-use categories, familiar to many through Social Science textbooks, are as follows:

1. Forests: This category encompasses areas designated by the government for forest growth, which may not necessarily correlate with actual forest cover. Changes in this category reflect governmental decisions rather than alterations in actual forested areas.
2. Barren and Wastelands: Land unsuitable for cultivation due to characteristics like barren terrain or desert conditions falls under this classification, remaining largely unchanged by technological advancements.
3. Non-agricultural Uses: Land utilized for settlements, infrastructure, industries, and other non-agricultural purposes constitutes this category. Growth in secondary and tertiary activities contributes to its expansion.
4. Permanent Pastures and Grazing Lands: Predominantly owned by village ‘Panchayats’ or the government, this land serves as common property resources, with only a small portion under private ownership.
5. Miscellaneous Tree Crops and Groves: Orchards and fruit tree plantations, often privately owned, are included in this category, distinct from the net sown area.
6. Culturable Wasteland: Land left uncultivated for more than five years, eligible for reclamation and subsequent cultivation.
7. Current Fallow: Land rested for one agricultural year or less as part of a cultural practice, allowing for natural restoration of fertility.
8. Fallow other than Current Fallow: Cultivable land left uncultivated for more than a year but less than five years. If left unused for over five years, it transitions into the category of culturable wasteland.
9. Net Area Sown: The physical extent of land where crops are sown and harvested, representing the actively cultivated portion of the land.

Conclusion

Land use and its management play a major role in conserving natural resources like water, soil, and biodiversity. Urbanization and agricultural activities have great impacts on land, affecting water quality and availability. Through detailed land use planning and management, environmental challenges can be addressed, promoting a balance between development and conservation.

Read More

• Chapter 1 Human Geography| Class 12 Geography Notes
• Class 12 Geography Notes Chapter 6 Drought Prone Area Programme
• Class 12 Geography Notes Chapter 6 Hill Area Development Programme

FAQs on Land Use Categories

What is land use?

Land use refers to the management and modification of natural landscapes or wilderness into built environments such as agricultural areas, cities, and industrial sites. It encompasses the planning and allocation of land for various human activities and conservation.

How are land use categories defined?

Land use categories classify land based on its primary function, such as agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, and conservation purposes. These categories help in planning, managing, and optimizing the use of land resources.

Why is urban land use important?

Urban land use is crucial for organizing space in cities and towns to support residential life, commercial activities, industrial operations, and public services efficiently, ensuring sustainable urban development and living conditions.

What does rural land use include?

Rural land use primarily involves agriculture, forestry, and conservation, focusing on the sustainable management of resources, preservation of natural habitats, and support of rural economies through farming and resource extraction.

How does land use planning affect environmental management?

Land use planning plays a key role in environmental management by determining the best use of land resources while minimizing environmental impact, promoting sustainability, and addressing challenges like water quality and conservation.

What are examples of urban land use categories?

Examples include residential areas, commercial zones, industrial sites, public spaces like parks and institutions, and infrastructure for transportation and utilities.

Can land use change over time?

Yes, land use can change due to social and economic factors, such as population growth, economic development, and environmental policies, leading to the conversion of land for new purposes.