Soil erosion is the process of the top layer of soil being worn away or displaced by natural forces such as wind, water, or human activities. This can lead to a loss of fertile soil and negatively impact agricultural productivity.
Imagine you have a sandcastle on the beach, and as waves crash against it, bits of sand are washed away. Similarly, soil erosion occurs when wind or water gradually washes away layers of fertile soil from farmlands.
Terracing: Terracing involves creating step-like platforms on hillsides to reduce soil erosion by controlling runoff and preventing rainwater from washing away topsoil.
Cover crops: Cover crops are plants grown between main crop seasons to protect the soil from erosion. They help prevent wind and water from directly impacting bare soil.
Conservation tillage: Conservation tillage refers to farming practices that minimize disturbance to the soil. It includes techniques like no-till farming, where crop residue is left on fields instead of being plowed under. These practices help reduce erosion by maintaining ground cover.
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