Discuss the role of healthy ecosystem services as a pre-requisite for a wide range of economic, environmental and aesthetic goods and services.

Purusottam Nayak · 21st Sep 2019 .

Ramesh Swain · 21st Sep 2019 .

The products of healthy ecosystem processes which have environmental, aesthetic and indirect economic value are named as ecosystem services. It includes:

(i) Soil : Soil formation and soil protection are the major ecosystem services accounting for nearly 50% of their total worth. Plant cover protects the soil from drastic changes in temperature. There is little wind or water erosion as soil particles are not exposed to them. The soil remains porous and fertile. There are no landslides and floods.

(ii) Perennial water : Plant litter and humus prevent run off of water, hold water like sponge and allow percolation of water. A lot of water is held in the soil which slowly passes towards perched water table and comes out as springs. They are a source of perennial fresh water which is quite pure.

(iii) Air : Plant cover of natural ecosystems absorb polluting gases, cause settling of suspended particulate matter, removes CO2 and releases O2. A purified air becomes available.

(iv) Wetlands : They protect the land from floods, remove sediments and other pollutants and recharge ground water.

(v) Climate : There is increase in atmospheric humidity, good rainfall and moderating effect on climate.

(vi) Maintenance of biodiversity.

Nutrient cycling : There is no depletion of nutrients but the same are repeatedly circulated and recirculated. It keeps the fertility of soil intact. (viii)Wildlife habitat : They are habitat of wildlife.

(ix) Pollination : Bees and other insects of natural ecosystems visit nearby farmlands and pollinate the crop plants.

(x) Home to tribals : A large number of tribals live in forests.

(xi) Grazing grounds : They are grazing areas for numerous cattle.

(xii) Other values : Natural ecosystems are a source of spiritual, cultural and aesthetic values

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