Majuli, the largest inhabited river island bounded by the river Subansiri to the north and mighty Brahmaputra River to the south, is one of the subdivisions of the Jorhat district, Assam. Erosion of the island is a continuous process since historical times and posses a significant concern.

In foothills of Shiwaliks due to presence of torrents, soil erosion is very serious problem. The flow acquires accelerated velocity at it travels down the slope and consequently becomes highly erosive in nature. Study aea of Baroi Khad (rainy season torrents) lies at Akhnoor Tehsil of Jammu district in Jammu and Kashmir state.

Soil and water are the two important natural resources, which are the backbone of the Indian agriculture. The prime cause for the backwardness of the farmers is reduction in soil fertility and productivity, due to massive soil erosion. Most of the farmers are depending mainly on renewable natural resources for their livelihoods. The inhabitants of the foothill region of Northwest Himalayas have degraded lands, fragmented and small land holdings and are generally resource poor.

Soil fertility status of hilly microwater watershed in Shivalik hills, was assessed in relation to three locality factors, viz. altitude, slope and aspect. It was found that at higher altitude (440-450 m) of watershed, the soil fertility parameters were less and more in lower altitude (420-430m).

Degradation due to erosion, salinity, waterlogging, contamination, etc. reduces the quality of land. Soil and water resources are affected initially then the bioresources. Uncontrolled degradation processes lead to
desertification of land and the ecosystem functions are disturbed.