Question

State three ways of keeping soil healthy.

Suggest five soil conservation methods.

Suggest any five soil conservation measures to improve crop yield.

Answer 1

Three ways of keeping soil healthy:

1. Crop rotation: It is a method where cropping of the main crop is alternated with planting of leguminous crop to restore soil fertility. Leguminous plants include pulses, groundnut, pea and grass like alpha alpha and clover. It also reduces the soil loss and nutrients by wind and water. Crop rotation controls growth of unwanted weeds and stops the pest cycle, thus reducing the menace of insects and pests.
2. Terrace farming: This is practiced in hilly regions. Fields are cut at right angles to the slope. This slows down the flowing water and allows it to irrigate the crops, as well. It helps in preventing soil erosion by runoff.
3. Contour Bunding: It is a low cost soil and water conservation method practiced in areas of low rain fall. There is alternate ridge and channel. The crops are planted on the ridges and water collects in the channels. This method provides water as well as prevent the soil from being washed away. It can also be called contour farming. 
4. Mulching: In this method of soil conservation where the dry leaves, stalk, husk of the harvested crop is spread on the soil so that it is not bare and exposed to agents of erosion. It checks erosion by wind, adds moisture and organic matter to the soil.
5. Tree breaks: Tree breaks are often known as shelter belts. It refers to trees and shrubs commonly planted in rows at right angles to the prevailing winds. They help in controlling erosion by wind. The central control row contains trees like babul, shisham, eucalyptus, neem etc and the two outside rows contain small dense shrubs.