Question

What is soil conservation? State a method of soil conservation in the:
i. Arid and Semi Arid region.
ii. River valleys prone to flood.

Answer 1

Soil erosion is defined as the wearing away of topsoil. Topsoil is the top layer of soil and is the most fertile because it contains the most organic, nutrient-rich materials.

(i) Shelter belts are a major vegetative method for controlling soil erosion in the Arid and Semi-Arid region. Shelter belts are belts of vegetation planted across the prevailing wind direction to reduce the velocity of winds across farmlands or around buildings.

(ii) Soil erosion by floods can be checked by constructing dams or barrages over such rivers which are responsible for the flood. Afforestation and Social Forestry Programs can also be an effective measure.