Question

Which one of the following methods is most appropriate to check soil erosion on steep slopes?

• A. Shelterbelts
• B. Mulching
• C. Terrace cultivation

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Terrace cultivation

Answer: The correct answer is option (C) – Terrace Cultivation

• Terrace farming reduces soil erosion and surface runoff.
• In Terrace farming flat surfaces are made for growing crops by making terraces or flat steps.
• To protect the top soil from erosion due to wind movement, shelter belts are used; it is nothing but planting trees in rows. This method is used in dry and coastal regions.
• To protect the soil from getting washed away due to rains, different crops are grown in alternate rows and at different times. This method of protecting soil is known as intercropping.
• To slow down the flow of water and prevent soil loss, rocks are piled up, this is known as rock dam.
• Soil moisture can be retained by covering bare ground between plants with a layer of organic matter like straw. This is known as mulching.
• Soil, grass, stones are used as a barrier along contours, this is known as a contour barrier. Trenches are made in front of the barriers to collect water.
• Parent rock determines the permeability of soil, chemical properties of soil, colour of the soil, texture of the soil, content and mineral composition of the soil.
• The major threat to soil resource is the depletion and soil erosion.
• Degradation of soils takes place due to natural factors and human factors.
• Floods, landslides, rain wash, pesticides, overuse of chemical fertilizers, overgrazing, deforestation are the major factors which lead to degradation of soil.
• The decline in soil fertility is known as soil degradation.
• Soil degradation occurs when depth of the soil goes down due to misuse, erosion, and when the nutritional status declines.
• Depletion of the soil resource base in India is due to soil degradation.