29-11-2012, 04:19 PM
Soil Conservation
Soil Conservation.ppt (Size: 230 KB / Downloads: 289)
Soil
The tiny particles of rocks changed into loose materials called soil.
Soil contains water, air and humus i.e., remains of dead plants and animals mixed in it.
Without soil there will be no life and food, hence it should be conserved.
Soil Erosion
The process of carrying away of the top fertile layer of soil by wind or water over a period of time , from one place to another is called soil erosion.
Factors of soil erosion:
Wind:- Strong winds blow the top fertile soil from one place to another cause soil erosion.
Water:- Rivers and heavy rains cause soil erosion as running water removes the top fertile soil.
Human Activities:- Cutting down of trees on a large scale for these purposes is called deforestation. This loosens the soil and causes soil erosion.
Soil Conservation
The protection of soil from being washed away by eroding agents is called soil conservation.
We can conserve soil by the following ways:-
Afforestation
Cover Crops
Terrace Farming
Fence and Shelter Belts
Embankments
Afforestation
Planting new trees and plants is called afforestation. In this method roots of plants hold soil together, thus the soil does not get eroded. Trees slow down the wind and break the fall of the rain so that it strikes the ground without stirring up the soil. Thus, the soil is protected.
Terrace Farming
In this method, steps are made on the hills so that the flow of water slows down. Thus this method conserves the soil from the water flowing down the hills in the rains.