Test: Soil Erosion & Conservation - Class 5 MCQ

The topmost layer of Earth. Soil is the topmost layer of the Earth and is essential for plant growth, as it supports life on Earth.

By the action of sun, wind, and water.

-Big rocks are broken down by the action of sun, wind, and water into smaller pieces till a powder is formed.

-This process is called weathering.

-The fine powder mixes with the remains of dead plants and animals to form soil.

The uppermost layer of the soil is called topsoil. It contains sand, clay, humus, air, and water. Humus provides essential nutrients to plants for growth.

The middle layer is the subsoil. It contains broken pieces of rocks and water. It has very little humus.

The bottom layer is the bedrock. It is deep inside the Earth and contains large pieces of rocks. Not much water is present in this layer.

The process of carrying away of the topsoil by the action of wind or water. Soil erosion is the process of wearing off or carrying away of the topsoil by the action of wind or water.

-Water causes soil erosion by flowing over the land and taking soil along with it.

-When it rains, some rainwater soaks into the ground and some evaporates.

-The rest of the rainwater flows over the land.

-As it flows, it takes soil along with it and thus causes soil erosion.

-Wind causes soil erosion by blowing away the dry topsoil.

-Some places such as deserts or semi-deserts have very few plants covering the ground.

-Here wind can blow away the dry topsoil.

-The harder the wind blows, the more soil it carries.

-Trees and plants bind the soil with their roots and offer the best protection against soil erosion.

-Planting trees or afforestation, especially in hilly areas, is a very effective method of soil conservation.

-To reduce soil erosion, farming in hilly areas is done by cutting steps in the slopes.

-This reduces the speed with which the water flows down.

-Also, some of the soil eroded from one step gets deposited on the next step.

On the flat ground or plains, soil erosion occurs in farmlands after a crop is harvested. The soil then lies bare and can be easily eroded by water and wind. Keeping the soil covered after harvesting is an effective method to prevent soil erosion.

Building strong embankments along the banks of rivers is an effective method of soil conservation. It prevents soil erosion in two ways: firstly, it prevents constant erosion of soil from the river banks and secondly, it prevents flooding of land by the rivers.

Soil supports plant growth, which is essential for life on Earth. Soil conservation is important because soil supports life on Earth. It is the foundation for plant growth, which provides food for animals and humans.

Trees and plants bind the soil with their roots, offering the best protection against soil erosion. Planting trees or afforestation, especially in hilly areas, is a very effective method of soil conservation.

Reducing the speed with which water flows down. Step farming in hilly areas is done by cutting steps in the slopes to reduce the speed with which water flows down. Also, some of the soil eroded from one step gets deposited on the next step.