Question

Q 8 what is soil conservation? Explain any four methods of soil conservation suitable to indian conditions.

Answer 1

Soil conservation is the preventing of soil loss from erosion or reduced fertility caused by over usage, acidification, salinization or other chemical soil contamination. Slash-and-burn and other unsustainable methods of subsistence farming are practiced in some lesser developed areas.

Answer 2

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✎Mulching: The bare ground between plants is covered with a layer of organic matter like straw. It helps to retain soil moisture.

✎Contour barriers: Stones, grass, soil are used to build barriers along contours. Trenches are made in front of the barriers to collect water.

✎Rock dam: Rocks are piled up to slow down the flow of water. This prevents gullies and further soil loss.

✎Terrace farming: Broad flat steps or terraces are made on the steep slopes so that flat surfaces are available to grow crops. They reduce surface runoff and soil erosion.

✎Intercropping: Different crops are grown in alternate rows and are sown at different times to protect the soil and rain wash.

✎Contour ploughing: Ploughing parallel to the contours of a hill slope to form a natural barrier for water to flow down the slope.

✎Shelter belts: In the coastal and dry regions, rows of trees are planted to check the wind movement to protect soil cover.