Soil Erosion And Soil Conservation
Overview
Topsoil is a farmer's working capital. It holds the nutrients, the water and the living organisms that crops depend on, yet a single heavy storm on a bare hillside can strip away a layer that took centuries to form. Once the topsoil has gone, yields fall, the land is harder to work and gullies can cut a field in two. Soil erosion is therefore one of the most serious threats to food production, and it is almost always made worse by the way land is farmed.
In this lesson you will learn how moving water and wind detach and carry soil away, why slopes and bare ground are so vulnerable, and how farmers fight back. You will study practical conservation measures, from terracing and contour ploughing to cover crops, mulching and windbreaks, and learn to explain not just what each one does but exactly how it protects the soil and the harvest.
Objectives
- (a) describe types of soil erosion, their causes, agents, prevention and control.
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Soil Erosion And Soil Conservation. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which is the most severe form of water erosion? A. Splash erosion B. Sheet erosion C. Rill erosion D. Gully erosion Answer: D
- Soil erosion is best defined as: A. The build-up of nutrients in the topsoil B. The detachment and removal of topsoil by water or wind C. The breakdown of rock into soil D. The leaching of salts deep into the soil Answer: B
- Ploughing across a slope, along the contour, rather than up and down it is called: A. Strip cropping B. Terracing C. Contour ploughing D. Mulching Answer: C
- Which measure mainly reduces wind erosion of a bare, sandy field? A. Planting windbreaks B. Adding lime C. Deep ploughing up and down the slope D. Removing all plant cover Answer: A
- Which practice both protects the soil surface and adds organic matter as it rots? A. Overgrazing B. Mulching C. Leaving the field bare D. Burning the stubble Answer: B
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