Question

Which of the following promotes soil erosion?

• A. Conservation tillage
• B. Terrace farming
• C. Overgrazing
• D. Wind breaks

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Overgrazing

The correct option is option C

The explanation for the correct option:

1. Overgrazing reduces soil organic matter inputs because less plant biomass is accessible as litter, lowering soil organic matter, nutrients, and biotic activity.
2. This causes the soil structure to deteriorate, increasing the risk of erosion and lowering the soil's water-holding capacity.

The explanation for the incorrect option:

Option A:

1. Conservation tillage is a tillage strategy that reduces plowing intensity and retains plant residues to create an appropriate soil environment for producing a crop while also conserving soil, water, and energy resources.

Option B:

1. Crops are grown on the sides of hills or mountains by sowing on graduated terraces constructed into the slope.
2. Though time-consuming, the technology has been successfully used to increase the arable land area in a variety of terrains while reducing soil erosion and water loss.

Option D:

1. Windbreaks are trees and plants planted in a straight line to provide economic, environmental, and social benefits.
2. The fundamental goal of most windbreaks is to reduce wind speed, resulting in better conditions for soils, crops, cattle, wildlife, and people.

Final answer: Overgrazing promotes soil erosion.