The use of land has wide implications for human beings. For example, soil must be very good for agriculture so that crops are not affected by droughts or floods. It must have enough ploughland to nourish population.
The settlements on hills near the river should not affect the flow of water in the river. The settlements have to have enough open space for parks and recreation activities.
The congested congested cities may have more noise, air pollution problems etc.
The use of land is determined
- Physical factors: such as topography, climate, soil types
- Human factors: such as population density, technological capability and culture and traditions etc.
Waste land is the land put to other non-agricultural uses which include rocky, arid and desert areas, roads, railways, industry etc.
Continuous use of land over a long period of time without taking appropriate measures to conserve and manage it, has resulted in land degradation.
