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

Explanation

Role of forest in influencing the quality of
(a) Air
(i) It helps in purifying the air by adding oxygen into it.
(ii) It takes carbon dioxide gas during photosynthesis thus greenhouse effect is controlled.
(iii) Transpiration helps in the formation of clouds and thus, it maintains the temperature of surrounding area, giving cooling effect.
(b) Soil
(i) Plants in forest hold the soil thereby preventing soil erosion.
(ii) Trees in the forest do not allow the rainwater to hit the floor directly. Rain water comes down slowly through leaves and stems of plants. Hence forests allow percolation of rainwater to deep layers which helps in increasing the underground water level.
( c ) Water : Forest helps in bringing rain and increasing the level of water in the underground and water bodies.