answersLogoWhite

0

Ways to Conserve Soil

Plant trees: We all know that the roots of trees firmly hold on to the soil. As trees grow tall, they also keep rooting deeper into the soil. As the roots of the trees spread deep into the layers of soil, they contribute to the prevention of soil erosion. Soil that is under a vegetative cover has hardly any chance of getting eroded as the vegetative cover acts as a wind barrier as well.

Terraces: Terracing is one of the very good methods of soil conservation. A terrace is a leveled section of a hilly cultivated area. Owing to its unique structure, it prevents the rapid surface runoff of water. Terracing gives the landmass a stepped appearance thus slowing the easy washing down of the soil. Dry stonewalling is a method used to create terraces in which stone structures are created without using mortar for binding.

No-till farming: When soil is prepared for farming by ploughing it, the process is known as tiling. No-till farming is a way of growing crops without disturbing it through tillage. The process of tilling is beneficial in mixing fertilizers in the soil, shaping it into rows and preparing a surface for sowing. But the tilling activity can lead to compaction of soil, loss of organic matter in soil and the death of the organisms in soil. No-till farming is a way to prevent the soil from being affected by these adversities.

Contour ploughing: This practice of farming across the slopes takes into account the slope gradient and the elevation of soil across the slope. It is the method of ploughing across the contour lines of a slope. This method helps in slowing the water runoff and prevents the soil from being washed away along the slope. Contour ploughing also helps in the percolation of water into the soil.

Crop rotation: Some pathogens tend to build up in soil if the same crops are cultivated consecutively. Continuous cultivation of the same crop also leads to an imbalance in the fertility demands of the soil. To prevent these adverse effects from taking place, crop rotation is practiced. It is a method of growing a series of dissimilar crops in an area sequentially. Crop rotation also helps in the improvement of soil structure and fertility.

Soil pH: The contamination of soil by addition of acidic or basic pollutants and acid rains has an adverse effect on the pH of soil. Soil pH is one of the determinants of the availability of nutrients in soil. The uptake of nutrients in plants is also governed to a certain extent, by the soil pH. The maintenance of the most suitable value of pH, is thus, essential for the conservation of soil.

Water the soil: We water plants, we water the crops, but do we water the soil? If the answer is negative, it is high time we adopt the method of watering soil as a measure of conserving soil. Watering the soil along with the plants is a way to prevent soil erosion caused by wind.

Salinity management: The salinity of soil that is caused by the excessive accumulation of salts, has a negative effect on the metabolism of the crops in soil. Salinity of soil is detrimental to the vegetative life in the soil. The death of vegetation is bound to cause soil erosion. Hence, salinity management is one of the indirect ways to conserve soil.

Soil organisms: Organisms like earthworms and others benefiting the soil should be promoted. Earthworms, through aeration of soil, enhance the availability of macronutrients in soil. They also enhance the porosity of soil. The helpful organisms of soil promote its fertility and form an element in the conservation of soil.

Indigenous Crops: Planting of native crops is known to be beneficial for soil conservation. If non-native plants are grown, the fields should be bordered by indigenous crops to prevent soil erosion and achieve soil conservation.

Source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/10-ways-to-conserve-soil.html

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Earth Science

What role did grass play and conserving the soil of the prairies?

Grass on the prairies played a key role in conserving soil by preventing erosion. The dense root system of prairie grasses helped to bind the soil together and reduce the risk of topsoil being washed or blown away. Additionally, grasses helped to promote soil fertility by cycling nutrients and organic matter back into the soil as they grew and decomposed.


What role did grass play in conserving in the soil of the prairies?

Grass roots in prairies help hold soil together, preventing erosion from wind and water. The dense root systems also promote water infiltration and reduce surface runoff, which helps to maintain soil moisture and prevent nutrient loss. Overall, grass plays a crucial role in conserving soil health and preventing degradation in prairie ecosystems.


What are two ways in witch the value of soil can be reduced?

Soil value can be reduced by erosion, which removes topsoil and degrades soil quality, as well as contamination from pollutants, chemicals, or heavy metals which can render the soil unsuitable for cultivation.


What are effects of not conserving the soil?

Not conserving soil can lead to erosion, decreased water quality, reduced crop productivity, and loss of biodiversity. It can also result in increased vulnerability to extreme weather events such as flooding and drought. Conservation practices like planting cover crops, reducing tillage, and implementing water management strategies can help mitigate these effects.


How living organisms like earthworms play an important role in conserving soil?

Earthworms help to aerate the soil when they burrow, creating channels for air and water to penetrate into the soil. Their movement also helps to mix organic matter into the soil, which improves soil structure and fertility. Furthermore, earthworms break down organic matter, producing nutrient-rich castings that enrich the soil for plant growth.