Question

Write a note on how forests influence the quality of our air, soil and water resources?

Answer 1

Air Resources.
(i) Oxygen-Carbon dioxide Balance :
Forests maintain the optimum level of oxygen and carbon dioxide. They function as sink for excess carbon dioxide being produced due to excessive combustion. Forests also release a lot of more oxygen to compensate for excess being consumed elsewhere in respiration and combustion.
(ii) Control of Air pollution: Both suspended particles and gaseous pollutants are picked up by forest plants.
Soil Resources. Roots of the forest plants hold the soil firmly. Forest cover protects the soil from direct pounding by rain drops. Forest soil is also sufficiently porous to reduce run off and increase infiltration of rain water. All the three factors prevent soil erosion.
Water Resource. (i) Rainfall: Forests help in increasing the amount and periodicity of rain fall.
(ii) Forest trees retain a lot of water at their bases.
Percolation of water into interior of earth produces springs which form rivulets with perennial flow of water.