Suggest measures of soil conservation in hilly mountainous and in dese...
Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process that affects all landforms. In agriculture, soil erosion refers to the wearing away of a field's topsoil by the natural physical forces of water
Earthquakes, floods and landslides, etc. are natural environmental hazards of disastrous consequences.
In recent years these hazards took toll of thousands of lives and caused massive destruction of property.
These have adversely affected the vital sectors of our development as agriculture, communication, irrigation, power projects and rural and urban settlements.
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Suggest measures of soil conservation in hilly mountainous and in dese...
Measures of Soil Conservation in Hilly Mountainous Areas:
1. Terracing: Building terraces or steps on hilly slopes helps to reduce erosion by slowing down the flow of water and preventing it from washing away the topsoil. Terracing also helps to retain moisture in the soil and promote vegetation growth.
2. Contour Plowing: Plowing along the contour lines of a slope, instead of up and down, helps to reduce water runoff and soil erosion. This method helps to slow down the flow of water and allows it to infiltrate into the soil, reducing the chances of erosion.
3. Strip Cropping: Planting different crops in alternating strips helps to break the flow of water and reduce soil erosion. The different crops have different root systems, which help to hold the soil together and reduce erosion.
4. Agroforestry: Growing trees and shrubs along with crops helps to prevent soil erosion in hilly areas. The roots of trees and shrubs bind the soil, reducing erosion caused by wind and water. Additionally, the canopy of trees helps to reduce the impact of raindrops on the soil surface, preventing soil splashing and erosion.
5. Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch, such as straw or leaves, on the soil surface helps to protect it from erosion by reducing the impact of raindrops, preventing soil splashing, and improving moisture retention. Mulch also helps to suppress weed growth, which can further protect the soil from erosion.
Measures of Soil Conservation in Desert Areas:
1. Windbreaks: Planting rows of trees or shrubs as windbreaks helps to reduce wind erosion in desert areas. The windbreaks act as barriers, reducing wind velocity and preventing the movement of sand and soil particles.
2. Sand Dune Stabilization: Fixing sand dunes in place using vegetation or physical structures helps to prevent sand movement and erosion. Planting grasses or shrubs with deep root systems helps to stabilize the dunes by binding the sand together.
3. Water Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater in desert areas can help to improve soil moisture content and prevent erosion. Techniques such as building check dams, contour bunds, and underground storage tanks can help to capture and store rainwater, allowing it to infiltrate into the soil and reducing the chances of erosion.
4. Conservation Tillage: Implementing conservation tillage practices, such as minimum tillage or no-till farming, helps to reduce soil disturbance and erosion in desert areas. These practices leave crop residues on the soil surface, which protect it from erosion caused by wind and water.
5. Irrigation Management: Proper irrigation practices, such as drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation, can help to minimize water loss and prevent soil salinization in desert areas. Efficient water management reduces the need for excessive irrigation, which can lead to waterlogging and soil degradation.
Overall, implementing these soil conservation measures in hilly mountainous and desert areas can help to protect the soil from erosion, retain moisture, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in these challenging environments.
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