Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation

1.7.2 Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation

Description

Quick Overview

The section discusses soil erosion due to natural and human activities and emphasizes the importance of soil conservation methods.

Standard

Soil erosion is a significant environmental issue caused by factors like deforestation and poor farming practices. The section outlines methods such as contour ploughing and terracing that can help conserve soil, making a case for the urgent need to address soil degradation for sustainable agricultural practices.

Detailed

Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation

Soil erosion refers to the denudation of the soil cover leading to its washing away. Factors contributing to this include both natural forces, such as wind and water, as well as human activities like deforestation and improper farming techniques. The balance between soil formation and erosion is essential for maintaining agricultural productivity.

Types of Soil Erosion:
- Gully Erosion: Caused by running water cutting deep channels.
- Sheet Erosion: Occurs when water flows over large areas, removing thin layers of soil.
- Wind Erosion: Happens when wind blows away loose soil from flat or sloping terrains.

Methods of Soil Conservation:
To combat soil erosion, several methods can be employed:
1. Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along contour lines to slow water runoff.
2. Terrace Farming: Creating steps on slopes to reduce run-off and soil loss.
3. Strip Cropping: Leaving strips of grass or vegetation between crops to disrupt wind and water flow.
4. Shelter Belts: Planting trees to stabilize soil and protect against wind.

Soil conservation is crucial, as it ensures the sustainability of agricultural practices while preventing environmental degradation.

Key Concepts

  • Soil Erosion: The loss of topsoil due to water or wind.

  • Gully Erosion: A type of erosion that creates deep channels in the landscape.

  • Contour Ploughing: Technique used to combat soil erosion.

  • Terrace Farming: Method of creating level fields on slopes.

  • Shelter Belts: Trees planted to protect against wind erosion.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Soil on the slope, hold it in place, plant some trees, nature’s embrace.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once a farmer in a hilly region struggled with rain washing away his soil. He learned about terraces and planted trees, now his land flourishes!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • To remember soil conservation techniques: T-C-S-S for Terrace farming, Contour ploughing, Strip cropping, and Shelter Belts.

🎯 Super Acronyms

SAVE for Soil And Vegetation Essentials.

Examples

  • Terrace farming is commonly used in rice cultivation in hilly areas.

  • Contour ploughing helps in reducing water run-off on sloped fields.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Soil Erosion

    Definition:

    The process of removing the upper layer of soil, reducing its fertility.

  • Term: Gully Erosion

    Definition:

    Erosion caused by running water cutting into the soil, forming deep channels.

  • Term: Contour Ploughing

    Definition:

    Ploughing across the slope of the land to prevent soil loss.

  • Term: Terrace Farming

    Definition:

    Creating steps on the slopes for agriculture to reduce erosion.

  • Term: Shelter Belts

    Definition:

    Rows of trees planted to protect soil from wind erosion.