(a) Explain the term, conservation of natural resources. (b)(i) List seven methods of soil conservation. (ii) Name four other natural resources that may be ...

(a) Conservation of natural resources

Conservation of natural resources is the wise and careful use, protection and management of natural resources (soil, water, forests, wildlife, minerals) so that they are not wasted, degraded or destroyed, but are preserved and can be used continuously by both the present and future generations.

(b)(i) Seven methods of soil conservation

1. Crop rotation.
2. Cover cropping / mulching.
3. Contour ploughing (ploughing across the slope).
4. Terracing of hillsides.
5. Afforestation and planting of wind breaks/shelter belts.
6. Addition of manure and fertilizers (maintaining fertility).
7. Avoiding overgrazing and bush burning; strip cropping.

(b)(ii) Four other natural resources that may be conserved

1. Water.
2. Forests (timber/vegetation).
3. Wildlife (animals).
4. Minerals (for example petroleum, coal).

(c) Three factors that negatively affect conservation of forest in West Africa

1. Indiscriminate felling of trees (logging) for timber and fuel wood.
2. Bush burning and clearing of forest for farming (shifting cultivation) and settlement.
3. Overgrazing by animals and rapid population growth increasing demand for land.

(d) The denitrification stage of the nitrogen cycle

Denitrification is carried out by denitrifying bacteria (for example Pseudomonas, Thiobacillus) living in poorly aerated (anaerobic/waterlogged) soils. During this stage the bacteria break down nitrates in the soil into free gaseous nitrogen and oxides of nitrogen, which are released back into the atmosphere. This reduces the amount of nitrates available to plants and returns nitrogen to the air.