What are the Trend in Forestry Parameters Between 2013-2023? is a key topic under Environment And Ecology for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Key points include: India's forest and tree cover increased by 16,630.25 km² and 20,747.34 km² respectively between 2013-2023.. Mangrove cover saw a significant rise of 296.33 km² in the same period.. Soil health improved, with soil organic carbon increasing from 55.85 to 56.08 tonnes per hectare.. Understanding this topic is essential for both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
What are the Trend in Forestry Parameters Between 2013-2023? is a Medium-level topic in UPSC Environment And Ecology. It is tested in both Prelims (factual MCQs) and Mains (analytical answer writing). Previous year UPSC questions have frequently covered aspects of What are the Trend in Forestry Parameters Between 2013-2023?, making it essential for comprehensive IAS preparation.
To prepare What are the Trend in Forestry Parameters Between 2013-2023? for UPSC: (1) Study the comprehensive notes covering all key concepts on Vaidra. (2) Practice previous year questions on this topic. (3) Connect it with current affairs using daily updates. (4) Revise using key takeaways and mind maps available for Environment And Ecology. (5) Write practice answers linking What are the Trend in Forestry Parameters Between 2013-2023? to related GS Paper topics.

India has demonstrated a positive trajectory in its forestry parameters over the decade spanning 2013 to 2023. These trends reflect concerted efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainable forest management.
Understanding these trends is crucial for UPSC Mains GS3 (Environment). Be prepared to cite specific figures and explain their implications for India's environmental health and climate change commitments.
A significant highlight of this period is the substantial growth in the country's green cover. Both forest cover and tree cover have shown impressive increases, contributing to enhanced carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
Forest Cover Increase: 16,630.25 km²
Tree Cover Increase: 20,747.34 km²
Beyond terrestrial forests, India's vital mangrove ecosystems have also expanded. Mangroves play a critical role in coastal protection, biodiversity, and carbon storage.
Mangrove Cover Increase: 296.33 km²
The health of forest soils is a fundamental indicator of ecosystem vitality. The period from 2013 to 2023 witnessed a general improvement in soil health across various depths.
Improved Soil Health: From 83.53% in 2013 to 87.16% (shallow to deep soil).
This improvement is largely attributed to an increase in humus content, which is vital for soil fertility and structure. A key component contributing to this is soil organic carbon.
Soil Organic Carbon (SOC): Carbon contained in soil organic matter. It is essential for soil aggregation, enhancing soil structure, and improving stability and water retention capacity.
Increase in Soil Organic Carbon: From 55.85 tonnes per hectare to 56.08 tonnes per hectare.
Biotic influences refer to the impact of living organisms, including human activities, on forest ecosystems. A positive trend observed is the reduction in these pressures on India's forests.
Biotic Influences: Any influence from living organisms on forests. This includes activities such as grazing, browsing, man-made fires, pollarding, illicit felling, and lopping.
Reduction in Biotic Influences: From 31.28% in 2013 to 26.66%.
This decline in biotic pressures signifies improved conditions for both floral biodiversity and faunal biodiversity within forest ecosystems. It indicates more effective protection and management strategies.


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