Soil Conservation
- Soil Conservation – Definition
Soil conservation refers to practices that prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility for sustainable agriculture.
- Importance of Soil Conservation
It protects topsoil, improves water retention, and ensures long-term agricultural productivity.
- Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is the removal of topsoil by water, wind, or human activities, reducing soil fertility.
- Types of Soil Erosion
Major types include sheet erosion, rill erosion, gully erosion, and wind erosion.
- Causes of Soil Erosion
Deforestation, overgrazing, improper farming practices, and heavy rainfall accelerate soil erosion.
- Sheet Erosion
Sheet erosion involves uniform removal of topsoil and is often unnoticed but highly damaging.
- Rill Erosion
Rill erosion forms small channels on the soil surface due to runoff water.
- Gully Erosion
Gully erosion creates deep channels and renders land unsuitable for cultivation.
- Wind Erosion
Wind erosion occurs in arid and semi-arid regions where loose soil particles are blown away.
- Principles of Soil Conservation
The core principle is to reduce runoff velocity and increase water infiltration into the soil.
- Contour Farming
Contour farming involves ploughing along contour lines to reduce runoff and soil loss.
- Terracing
Terracing converts slopes into steps, reducing erosion and improving moisture conservation.
- Strip Cropping
Strip cropping involves alternating erosion-prone crops with erosion-resistant crops.
- Mulching
Mulching covers soil with crop residues to reduce evaporation and prevent erosion.
- Cover Crops
Cover crops protect soil during fallow periods and improve organic matter content.
- Shelter Belts
Shelter belts are rows of trees planted to reduce wind speed and prevent wind erosion.
- Agroforestry
Agroforestry integrates trees with crops or livestock to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Soil Conservation in Drylands
Practices include contour bunding, ridge-furrow system, and moisture conservation techniques.
- Watershed Management
Watershed management conserves soil and water through integrated land-use planning.
- Soil Conservation and Crop Yield
Conserved soil ensures better nutrient availability and improved crop productivity.
- Soil Conservation Measures in India
Government programs promote bunding, terracing, and afforestation in erosion-prone areas.
- Role of Organic Matter
Organic matter improves soil aggregation, water holding capacity, and erosion resistance.
- Soil Conservation and Sustainability
Conservation practices ensure ecological balance and long-term agricultural sustainability.
- Soil Conservation and Climate Change
Conserved soils store more carbon and enhance climate resilience.
- Soil Conservation and NABARD
NABARD supports soil conservation through water