Effects of deforestation:
(i) Burning of forest wood release stored carbon, a negative impact just opposite of carbon sequestration,
(ii) Trees and plants bind the soil particles. The removal of forest cover increases soil erosion and decreases soil fertility. Deforestation in dry areas leads to the formation of deserts.
(iii) The amount of runoff water increases soil erosion and also creates flash flooding, thus reducing moisture and humidity.
(iv) The alteration of local precipitation patterns leading to drought conditions in many regions. It triggers adverse climatic conditions and alters water cycle in the ecosystem.
(v) It decreases the bio-diversity significantly as their habitats are disturbed and disruption of natural cycles.
(vi) Loss of livelihood for forest dwellers and rural people.
(vii) Increased global warming and account for one-third of total CO₂ emission.
(viii) Loss of life support resources, fuel, medicinal herbs, and wild edible fruits.
Benefits of agroforestry:
(i) It is an answer to the problem of soil and water conservation and also to stabilize the soil (salinity and water table) reduce landslide and water run-off problem.
(ii) Nutrient cycling between species improves and organic matter is maintained.
(iii) Trees provide a micro climate for crops and maintain O₂ - CO₂ balanced, atmospheric temperature and relative humidity.
(iv) Suitable for dry land where rainfall is minimum and hence it is a good system for alternate land use pattern.
(v) Multipurpose tree varieties like Acacia are used for wood pulp, tanning, paper, and firewood industries.
(vi) Agroforestry is recommended for the following purposes. It can be used as Farm Forestry for the extension of forests, mixed forestry, shelterbelts, and linear strip plantation.

Afforestation is planting of trees where there was no previous tree coverage and the conversion of non-forested lands into forests by planting suitable trees to retrieve the vegetation. Example: Slopes of dams afforested to reduce water run-off, erosion and siltation. It can also provide a range of environmental services including carbon sequestration, water retention.
The Man who Single handedly Created a Dense Forest
(i) Jadav "Molai" Payeng (born 1963) is an environmental activist has single-handedly planted a forest in the middle of a barren wasteland.
(ii) This Forest Man of India has transformed the world's largest river island, Majuli, located on one of India's major rivers, the Brahmaputra, into a dense forest, home to rhinos, deers, elephants, tigers, and birds.
(iii) And today his forest is larger than CentraI Park.

Rain Water Harvesting - RWH (Solution to water crisis - A ecological problem)
Rainwater harvesting is the accumulation and storage of rainwater for reuse in-site rather than allowing it to run off.
Rainwater can be collected from rivers, rooftops and the water collected is directed to a deep pit.
The water percolates and gets stored in the pit.
RWH is a sustainable water management practice implemented not only in the urban area but also in agricultural fields, which is an important economic cost-effective method for the future.


Environmental benefits of Rain Water Harvesting:
(i) Promotes adequacy of underground water and water conservation.
(ii) Mitigates the effect of drought.
(iii) Reduces soil erosion as surface run-off is reduced.
(iv) Reduces flood hazards.
(v) Improves groundwater quality and water table / decreases salinity.
(vi) No land is wasted for storage purpose and no population displacement is involved.
(vii) Storing water underground is an eco- friendly measure and a part of sustainable water storage strategy for local communities.