Soil Conservation Methods - JSS1 Agricultural science Past Questions and Answers - page 2
Examine the importance of soil conservation in agriculture.
Soil conservation is crucial in agriculture to minimise soil erosion and maintain soil health. Consequences of soil erosion include:
- Loss of Fertile Topsoil: Erosion can result in the loss of the nutrient-rich topsoil, negatively impacting crop productivity.
- Reduced Water Quality: Soil erosion contributes to sedimentation in water bodies, affecting water quality.
- Impacts on Soil Structure: Erosion disrupts soil structure, leading to compaction and reduced water infiltration.
Explore erosion control techniques in agriculture.
Erosion control techniques are essential for sustainable land management. Examples include:
- Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along the contours of sloping land to reduce water runoff and soil erosion.
- Terracing: Creating steps or terraces on steep slopes to slow water runoff and promote soil conservation.
- Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops to provide a protective cover to the soil, preventing erosion and enhancing soil structure.
Discuss the significance of soil moisture conservation in agriculture.
Soil moisture conservation is crucial for optimal crop production. Methods include:
- Mulching: Applying organic or synthetic materials to the soil surface to reduce evaporation and conserve soil moisture.
- Reduced Tillage: Minimising soil disturbance to preserve soil structure and reduce water loss.
- Proper Irrigation Practices: Implementing efficient irrigation techniques to avoid water wastage.
Adequate soil moisture benefits crop production by ensuring:
- Optimal Plant Growth: Plants receive consistent water supply for growth and development.
- Reduced Water Stress: Conserved soil moisture helps crops withstand periods of water scarcity.
- Improved Water Use Efficiency: Efficient use of available water resources for sustainable agriculture.
Examine the concept of conservation tillage in agriculture.
Conservation tillage aims to minimise soil disturbance and maintain soil health. Objectives and benefits include:
- Minimising Soil Erosion: Conservation tillage reduces the risk of soil erosion, preserving valuable topsoil.
- Preserving Soil Structure: Reduced tillage helps maintain soil structure and prevent compaction.
- Enhancing Soil Fertility: Conservation tillage practices, such as no-till farming, leave crop residues on the soil surface, contributing to organic matter and nutrient retention.
Practices involved in conservation tillage include:
- No-Till Farming: Planting crops without ploughing the soil.
- Reduced Tillage: Minimising the extent of soil disturbance during planting.
Discuss the potential drawbacks of conventional practices like excessive ploughing in agriculture.
Conventional practices like excessive ploughing can have detrimental effects on agriculture and the environment, including:
- Increased Soil Erosion: Excessive ploughing exposes the soil to the erosive forces of wind and water, leading to increased soil erosion.
- Loss of Soil Structure: Aggressive ploughing disrupts soil structure, resulting in compaction and reduced water infiltration.
- Environmental Degradation: Soil erosion contributes to sedimentation in water bodies, impacting water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
- Reduced Sustainability: Conventional practices may lead to the depletion of soil fertility, increased reliance on external inputs, and reduced long-term sustainability.