Soil Erosion and Conservation


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Soil Erosion and Conservation

Degradation of soil and conservation measures: Soil erosion and depletion are the major threats to soil as resources. Both human and natural factors can lead to degradation of soils. Factors which lead to soil degradation are deforestation, overgrazing, overuse of chemical fertilizers of pesticides, rain wash, landslides and floods.

Methods of soil conservation are:

·   Mulching: the bare ground between plans 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 run- off and soil erosion.

·   Intercropping: different crops are grown in alternate rows and are sown at different times of protect the soil from 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.

Soils of India: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has classified the soils found in India into eight groups

Sample Questions
(More Questions for each concept available in Login)
Question : 1

In which one of the following states is terrace cultivation practised?

Right Option : D
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Question : 2

Soil erosion can be prevented by __________________

Right Option : A
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Question : 3

Soil conservation is the process where _________________________

Right Option : B
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