Question
What is soil conservation ? Suggest some measures to conserve soil.
Solution
Soil conservation is a methodology to maintain soil fertility, prevent soil erosion and exhaustion, and improve the degraded condition of the soil.
The following are the methods of soil conservation:
1. Afforestation: In some areas the original vegetation cover has been removed such as the Siwalik Hills. In such areas afforestation and reafforestation is needed to hold the soil.
2. Controlled grazing: The number of cattle grazing the slopes should be according to the carrying capacity of pastures.
3. Terraced agriculture: Slopes must be cut into a series of terraces for cultivation so as to slow down inflow of rainwater.
4. River dams: River dams should be built in the upper course of rivers to control floods and check soil erosion.
5. Contour ploughing: Contour ploughing, terracing and bunding should be done to check soil wash on slopes. Ploughing is done at right angles to the hill slopes.
