Preventive measures: 1 Mark each
Soil erosion can be prevented by the following methods:
1. Afforestation: Afforestation means planting trees.The roots of the trees hold the soil layer firmly and prevent soil erosion.
2. Improve drainage: Areas with heavy water runoff can use underground perforated drainage pipes which will help prevent soil erosion.
3. Contour farming and terracing: It is the practice of tilling sloped land along lines of consistent elevation in order to conserve rainwater and to reduce soil losses from surface erosion.
The removal of soil from the surface of the land by the action of wind, water or ice is called soil erosion. The dumping of man-made waste or chemicals into the land decreases the fertility of the soil. This leads to soil pollution.
Steps for preventing soil pollution and soil erosion:
(i) Plantations should be encouraged because the roots of plant firmly bind the soil and help in preventing erosion.
(ii) Methods like crop rotation and mixed farming should be followed.
(iii) Use of organic fertilisers and manure instead of synthetic fertilisers should be encouraged.
(iv) Pesticides and insecticides should be used in limited quantity and find a natural way to prevent it.
(v) Plastic bags should be banned as they don't decompose and leads to soil pollution.
(vi) Industrial waste shouldn't be dumped directly as it kills necessary microorganisms of soil.