10. Mulching
The bare ground
between plants
is covered
with a layer of
organic matter
like straw. It
helps to
retain soil
moisture.
11. Contour barriers
Stones, grass,
soil are used to
build
barriers along
contours.
Trenches are
made in front of
the barriers to
collect water.
12. Rock dam
Rocks are
piled up to
slow down
the flow of
water. This
prevents
gullies and
further soil
loss.
13. Terrace farming
These are made
on the steep
slopes so that
flat surfaces
are available to
grow
crops. They can
reduce surface
run-off and soil
erosion
14. Intercropping
Different crops
are grown in
alternate
rows and are
sown at
different times
to protect the
soil from rain
wash.
15. Contour ploughing
Ploughing
parallel to the
contours of a
hill slope to
form a natural
barrier
for water to
flow down the
slope
16. Shelter belts
In the coastal
and dry
regions, rows
of trees are
planted to
check the
wind
movement to
protect soil
cover
17. Choose the correct answer
1. Soil is made up of?
A) Water and rocks
B) Air , water and lava
C) Organic matter, minerals and wheathered rocks
D) Minerals and water
2. Mulching refers to
(A) Making terraces
(B) bare ground between plants covered with a layer of organic
matter
(C) Planting trees between crops
(D) Making rock dams
18. 3. Which one of the following methods is most appropriate to
check soil erosion on steep slopes?
(A) Shelter belts
(B) Mulching
(C) Terrace cultivation
(D) Crops are grown in alternate rows
4. What are shelter belts ?
(A) Planting of trees
(B) Shelter is giver to animals
(C) Cutting of trees
(D) Rows of trees are planted to check the wind movement
19. Homework
• What is the importance of soils ?
• Mention some more reasons which are
responsible for soil degradation and soil
erosion ?