Question

List out three methods of soil conservation.

Answer 1

Soil conservation

1. Soil conservation is a process of maintaining the fertility of the soil at it's optimal like the soil characteristics- NPK content, pH, quality, texture, etc.
2. It involves prevention of soil pollution, soil erosion, salinization, and acidification.

Three methods of soil conservation

Three methods of soil conservation are as follows:

1. Crop Rotation:

• It involves growing different variety of crops on same geographical field over a period of climate period, and replacing with other over period of time, in same sequence.
• This practice prevents over utilization of specific nutrients in the soil.
• The rotation is based on climate favorable crop species, which reduces soil tillage, and prevents harboring of crop specific weeds and pests.
• The rotation is made once in 3 to 4 years on an average.

2. Contour Ploughing:

• Contour ploughing is the practice of plowing and planting along a slope of a geographical area followed by its elevation contour lines.
• It reduces soil erosion by half a way. It promotes water infiltration and reduces sediment runoff.
• It retains soil quality and composition, which remains unaffected by natural calamities like landslides, runoff water, etc.

3. Improving Agricultural practices:

• Practicing no till farming allows crops to remain till season ends, preventing unnecessary ploughing and soil erosion.
• Terrace farming prevents water runoff from taking away soil minerals by slowing it's speed and manipulating it's flow directions.
• Planting a wind break like trees or shrubs prevents unnecessary carry away of soil by wind.