Contour ploughing and contour barriers are two methods used to prevent soil erosion on sloping lands. Both techniques aim to slow down the flow of water and prevent it from carrying away the topsoil. While both methods are effective, they differ in terms of their approach and implementation.

**Contour Ploughing:**
Contour ploughing involves ploughing furrows along the contour lines of a slope. The contour lines are imaginary lines that connect points of equal elevation on a slope. This technique helps to create a series of small ridges and furrows that run parallel to the slope. Here's how contour ploughing works:

1. **Identifying the contour lines:** Before ploughing, the contour lines need to be identified using a topographic map or by observing the land's natural shape. This helps determine the orientation and spacing of the furrows.

2. **Ploughing along the contour lines:** Using a tractor or plough, furrows are created that follow the contour lines. The furrows slow down the flow of water and prevent it from gaining enough momentum to cause erosion.

3. **Planting crops:** After ploughing, the ridges and furrows can be used for planting crops. The furrows help retain water and prevent it from running off the slope. The crops also help stabilize the soil and further reduce erosion.

**Contour Barriers:**
Contour barriers, also known as contour bunds or contour ridges, involve the construction of physical barriers along the contour lines of a slope. These barriers are typically made of soil, rocks, or other materials and are built in a horizontal or slightly sloping manner. Here's how contour barriers work:

1. **Identifying the contour lines:** Similar to contour ploughing, the contour lines need to be identified before constructing the barriers.

2. **Building the barriers:** Using shovels or machinery, soil or other materials are piled up along the contour lines to form barriers. These barriers create small reservoirs that trap water and prevent it from flowing downhill.

3. **Planting vegetation:** Once the barriers are in place, vegetation such as grass or shrubs can be planted. The vegetation helps strengthen the barriers, reduces the impact of rainfall, and further stabilizes the soil.

**Comparison:**
While both contour ploughing and contour barriers aim to prevent soil erosion, they have some notable differences:

1. **Method:** Contour ploughing involves creating furrows along the contour lines, whereas contour barriers involve building physical barriers along the contour lines.

2. **Effectiveness:** Contour barriers are generally more effective in preventing soil erosion as they create physical obstructions that trap water. Contour ploughing helps, but it relies more on the furrows to slow down water flow.

3. **Suitability:** Contour ploughing is suitable for areas where agriculture is practiced, as it allows for crop cultivation. Contour barriers, on the other hand, are more suitable for areas with minimal agricultural use or where vegetation restoration is needed.

In conclusion, both contour ploughing and contour barriers are effective methods to prevent soil erosion on sloping lands. Contour ploughing involves creating furrows along the contour lines, while contour barriers involve building physical barriers. The choice between the two methods depends on the specific needs and conditions of the land.

Counter barriers:- Contour barriers are obstructions made on the slopes with the help of stones, grass, trenches in the soil to collect water.

counterploughing:- Contour ploughing is the farming practice of plowing and or planting across a slope following its elevation contour lines.