Natural Resources: Types, Energy, and Soil Conservation

Natural Resources and Their Classification

Natural resources are the total quantities and amounts of materials found in the soil that can have an economic value. These resources can be classified into renewable and non-renewable categories.

Types of Resources

• Non-renewable: Their formation has been a long and complex process. Once exhausted, they disappear (e.g., minerals and fossil fuels).
• Renewable: These can be replaced while they are consumed. However, it should be noted that human and plant species, once extinct, are not recovered.

Principal Natural Resources

• Air as a resource: It is a fundamental resource for mankind and the rest of the organisms. The main problem facing this resource is air pollution.
• Soil: This is the support for all forestry, agricultural, and livestock activities.
• Minerals: These are rocks and minerals that can be used by human beings.
• Energy resources: These are resources upon which energy production is dependent.

Energy Categories

• Non-renewable energy: This includes coal, petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear energy. Its use poses serious environmental problems.
• Renewable energy: These energies are inexhaustible and impossible to overwork as they are renewed constantly. They are clean, although not all renewables are entirely environmentally friendly.

Factors Accelerating Soil Loss

Incorrect use of the land can produce soil loss or accelerate it. Key factors include:

• Elimination of vegetation cover and stubble burning.
• Introduction of improper crops and plowing.
• Saline or acid rain pollution.
• Heavy metals or excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers.
• Over-harvesting or overloading due to livestock (ganadera).

Hydraulic Energy

Hydraulic energy is produced by moving water placed directly between two points at different levels (such as a waterfall). Energy extraction is achieved by installing turbines on flows, which convert kinetic energy into mechanical alternative energy.

Environmental Impact and Mini-Hydro Plants

One environmental alternative involves plants that are not occupying a large area (mini-land). These take advantage of the channel slopes and divert a portion of the water through a derivation channel. The diverted water is driven by a pipe to the turbine and generator located at the bottom of the water. The disadvantages of this "hop" are its returns and the fact that they have to be located on rivers where the flow is constant.