Soil Conservation Practices - JSS2 Agricultural science Past Questions and Answers - page 2
Why is the implementation of conservation structures important for soil conservation?
To encourage soil erosion
To prevent the growth of beneficial microorganisms
To promote water runoff
To reduce soil erosion and enhance soil stability
What role do windbreaks play in soil conservation?
Encouraging soil erosion
Reducing wind speed to prevent soil erosion
Windbreaks have no impact on soil management
Discouraging sustainable farming practices
How does mulching contribute to soil conservation practices?
By promoting soil erosion
By providing a protective layer to reduce water runoff, erosion, and retain soil moisture
Mulching has no impact on soil management
By discouraging sustainable farming practices
What is the primary goal of soil erosion control methods?
To encourage soil erosion
To promote water runoff
To prevent or minimise the loss of fertile topsoil
Soil erosion control methods have no impact on soil management
How can farmers integrate sustainable practices into soil conservation efforts?
By maximising ploughing depth
By avoiding cover cropping
By incorporating organic farming and crop rotation
Sustainable practices have no impact on soil management
How does preserving soil fertility and preventing erosion contribute to sustainable farming practices?
Soil conservation is crucial in agriculture as it ensures the preservation of soil fertility and prevents erosion, both of which are essential for sustainable farming practices. Preserving soil fertility maintains the soil's ability to support plant growth and maintain productivity over time, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers. Preventing erosion helps maintain soil structure and prevents the loss of valuable topsoil, which contains essential nutrients for plant growth.
How do the different soil erosion control methods contribute to preventing the loss of fertile topsoil and ensuring sustainable agriculture?
Various soil erosion control methods such as contour ploughing, terracing, cover crops, and conservation tillage are effective in preventing the loss of fertile topsoil and promoting sustainable agriculture. Contour ploughing and terracing help reduce water runoff and soil erosion on sloped lands by slowing down the flow of water and trapping sediment. Cover crops protect the soil surface from erosion, improve soil structure, and enhance water infiltration. Conservation tillage practices minimise soil disturbance, preserve soil structure, and reduce erosion by leaving crop residues on the soil surface.
How do structures like terracing, windbreaks, and mulching contribute to reducing soil erosion and enhancing overall soil stability?
Conservation structures such as terracing, windbreaks, and mulching play a vital role in reducing soil erosion and enhancing overall soil stability. Terracing helps to break the slope of the land, reducing water runoff and soil erosion on steep slopes. Windbreaks, such as rows of trees or shrubs, act as barriers to wind erosion, reducing the force of wind on soil particles and preventing soil loss. Mulching covers the soil surface with organic or inorganic materials, reducing water runoff, soil erosion, and evaporation while improving soil structure and fertility.
How do practices like crop rotation and organic farming contribute to sustainable agriculture?
Soil management practices such as crop rotation and organic farming play a crucial role in preserving soil fertility and structure, contributing to sustainable agriculture. Crop rotation involves alternating different crops in a specific sequence to improve soil health, break pest cycles, and replenish soil nutrients. Organic farming practices focus on enhancing soil fertility and biological activity through the use of organic matter, compost, and natural inputs instead of synthetic chemicals. These practices help maintain soil structure, increase water retention, promote beneficial soil organisms, and reduce soil erosion and nutrient leaching.
How does soil erosion negatively impact agricultural productivity and contribute to environmental degradation?
Unchecked soil erosion in agriculture can have severe consequences, negatively impacting agricultural productivity and contributing to environmental degradation. Soil erosion leads to the loss of fertile topsoil, which contains essential nutrients for plant growth, reducing soil fertility and agricultural productivity over time. Additionally, soil erosion results in increased sedimentation in water bodies, leading to water pollution, siltation of reservoirs, and reduced water quality for irrigation and drinking purposes. Moreover, soil erosion exacerbates land degradation, desertification, and loss of biodiversity, affecting ecosystem services and long-term sustainability.