Question

What is done to reduce soil erosion on steep slopes? A) no-till farming B) contour farming C) terracing D) grazing

Short answer

Terracing (Option C) is most effective for reducing soil erosion on steep slopes.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is the process where soil is removed from its position by water, wind, or other natural forces, often accelerated by human activities. It's most prevalent on steep slopes where water can quickly run off and carry soil away.

Option A: No-Till Farming

No-till farming involves growing crops without disturbing the soil through tillage. It is beneficial for reducing soil erosion as it maintains plant covering and soil structure. However, it is more common in flat or gently sloping lands as opposed to steep slopes.

Option B: Contour Farming

Contour farming is the practice of plowing and planting crops in rows across the slope, following its contours. This method slows down the flow of water on the surface, reducing soil erosion significantly on hillsides and moderately sloped fields.

Option C: Terracing

Terracing involves creating stepped levels on a steep slope. Each 'terrace' acts as a mini field, retaining soil and water, dramatically reducing erosion. This method is especially effective on very steep slopes and is widely used in hilly or mountainous regions.

Option D: Grazing

Grazing refers to allowing livestock to feed on grass. It can sometimes contribute to soil degradation when overdone, as livestock can remove vegetation cover and compact the soil, increasing erosion potential, especially on slopes.

Conclusion

To mitigate soil erosion on steep slopes effectively, terracing (Option C) is the most appropriate practice. It creates flat areas on incline regions that help in controlling water runoff and conserving soil.

Key concepts

Terracing

Terracing is a powerful agricultural technique designed to combat soil erosion, particularly on steep slopes. Imagine transforming a steep mountain slope into a staircase made of land. Each step or 'terrace' provides a flat surface for farming. This reduces the speed and force of water running down, which helps to keep the soil in place.
By slowing water runoff, terracing also enhances soil moisture. This is crucial for plant growth, particularly in regions with inconsistent rainfall.
Key benefits of terracing include:

• Prevention of soil loss by slowing down water
• Improved water infiltration and retention
• Creation of more arable land in hilly areas
• Reduction in water pollution from runoff

Hence, terracing is invaluable, especially in mountainous and hilly terrains where other methods might not be as effective.

Contour Farming

Contour farming is an ingenious method that helps in managing soil erosion on slopes. Here, crops are planted along the natural contours or lines of the land rather than in straight rows. This method forms little dams, which slow down water flow, enhancing water soaking into the soil and lessening erosion.
The technique acts as nature's way of saying 'slow down' to runoff water. As a result, water erosion is minimized because water has less chance to wash away precious topsoil.
Some benefits of contour farming include:

• Reduced soil erosion from water
• Increased water conservation on fields
• Improved soil quality due to water retention
• Compatibility with other soil conservation practices

Contour farming is particularly effective on moderate slopes and is often combined with other practices like strip cropping or cover cropping to boost effectiveness.

No-Till Farming

No-till farming is a conservation approach where the soil gets minimal disturbance. Unlike conventional methods that involve plowing, no-till preserves the soil structure by leaving crop residues on the field. This creates a protective cover over the soil, significantly reducing erosion caused by water and wind.
Although more suited for flat or gently rolling lands, no-till farming still offers immense benefits:

• Preservation of soil structure and organic matter
• Reduction in erosion and runoff
• Improved water infiltration and retention
• Decreased labor and fuel costs for farmers

This technique helps maintain an ecosystem balance and increases resilience against harsh weather, making it a prudent choice for sustainable farming practices.