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Soil Conservation

The protection of soil from erosion is known as soil conservation. Let’s read about
some measures to conserve soil.

 Different types of crops should be grown in the same field to maintain the fertility
of soil. Such a practice is called crop rotation.

 Rather than planting crops in straight vertical rows, crops are planted following the
contour of the landscape. Crops planted up and down hillsides create pathways for
water to flow. Hence, prevents soil erosion.

 More number of trees should be planted to replace the ones that are cut down.

 Bushes and trees should be planted in open lands.

 River flooding should be stopped.

What is Contour plowing?

Let’s
Revise

 Soil is the uppermost layer of the earth which contains sand, minerals and organic material.
 Depending upon the colour and size of particles, soil can be categorised as gravel, sand ,

clay and loam.
 Soil is formed by breaking down of rocks by the action of sun, wind and rain.
 Loam is a combination of sand, clay and humus.
 The removal of the fertile soil by the action of water and wind is known as soil erosion.
 Protection of soil from erosion is called conservation of soil.

Points to Remember

Soil erosion : The removal of topsoil by the action of wind and water
Soil conversation : Protection of soil from erosion
Flooding : Flooding is an overflowing of water

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