Question.
What are methods of soil conservation?
( Chapter - 2 Land-Soil-Water-Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources, Cass 8 NCERT Resources and Development ( Geography) )
Answer.
Soil conservation is the method of protecting the topsoil from erosion and degradation. Soil is a valuable natural resource because it takes hundreds of years to form one centimeter of soil thickness. Following are some of the methods of soil conservation:
- Mulching
- Contour barriers
- Rock dams
- Terrace farming
- Intercropping
- Contour plowing
- Shelterbelt
Mulching:
Bare ground is prone to erosion and soil erosion. Mulching is a method of retaining soil moisture by covering the bare ground with a layer of organic material such as straw.
Contour barriers:
Contour barriers are used to prevent soil erosion by geomorphic agents of flowing water. Stones, grass, and soil are used to form the barrier along the contour, and trenches are made in front of the barrier to collect water.
Rock Dam :
Rock dams are used to prevent soil erosion by flowing water. Rocks are piled up to slow down the flow of water. Rock dams prevent soil loss by protecting drains.
Terrace Farming:
Terrace farming is a technique for sustainable agriculture on a hilltop that prevents soil erosion and conserves the soil. The broad flat steps on the steep slopes are called Terraces. Terrace farming is a technique of cultivating the surface of slopes to reduce surface runoff and soil erosion.
Growing intercrops:
Intercropping is the method in which different crops are sown at different times on alternate rows.
Contour Plowing:
The contour plowing parallel to the contour line of the hill slope creates a natural barrier to runoff down the slope.
Shelter Belts :
Shelter belts are used to prevent soil erosion by wind and waves. It also helps in avoiding the desertification process. In coastal and arid regions, rows of trees called protective belts are planted to prevent the movement of the wind to protect the soil cover.
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