Discuss the problems of soil erosion and soil degradation in Madhya Pradesh and point out their remedies.

Soil Erosion & Degradation Problems in MP and Remedial Measures:

Soil degradation affects over 6 million hectares of land in Madhya Pradesh across different agro-ecological zones:

• 1. Major Soil Problems in MP:
  • Severe Gully Erosion & Ravine Formation (अवनालिका अपरदन): Chambal basin (Morena, Bhind, Sheopur) where $>6 ext{ lakh hectares}$ of fertile alluvial land is converted into uncultivable ravines (Bihads).
  • Sheet and Rill Erosion: Undulating black soil slopes in Malwa (Dhar, Jhabua, Khargone) during heavy monsoons.
  • Soil Acidification & Salinity: Waterlogging and over-irrigation in Chambal canal command areas.
• 2. Comprehensive Remedial Measures:
  • Engineering Measures: Construction of stone check dams, gully plugs, and peripheral earthen bunds to arrest ravine advance.
  • Agronomic Measures: Contour ploughing across slopes, terracing, crop rotation with leguminous pulses, and cover crops.
  • Biological Measures: Afforestation of ravine edges with bamboo, acacia (Khair), and vetiver grass shelterbelts.
  • Government Schemes: World Bank-assisted Chambal Ravine Reclamation Project, Balram Tal Yojana, and PMKSY watershed development.