Theory question 104
Soil Erosion and Conservation(a) List four soil conservation practices that can be used to control erosion on a gentle slope.
(b) Explain how each of the practices you have listed in 4(a) can be used to conserve the soil.
Show the model answer
(a) and (b), any four with explanation:
Contour ploughing/ridging: ridges across the slope slow down run-off and trap soil.
Strip cropping: alternate strips of crops and cover crops/grass check the flow of water and hold soil.
Cover cropping: plants cover the soil and protect it from raindrop impact.
Mulching: a layer of material shields the soil and slows run-off.
Terracing: step-like levels break the slope and reduce the speed of water.
Planting grass barriers/hedges (alley cropping) along contours: roots bind soil and catch eroded soil.
Minimum tillage: leaves soil structure and residues in place.
Each practice in (a) must be matched by how it works in (b).