Soil Conservation Techniques Quiz

Soil conservation is the prevention of soil loss due to erosion or reduced fertility caused by over-usage, chemical contamination, acidification, or salinization. Techniques for improved soil conservation include crop rotation, conservation tillage, cover crops, and planted windbreaks. Soil conservation farming involves no-till farming, green manures, and other soil-enhancing practices, which make it hard for soils to be equalized. Contour plowing, terracing, and keyline design are some of the popular techniques to conserve soil. Salinity management, reducing the use of pesticides, and planting species that can tolerate saline conditions can be used to lower water tables and reduce the rate of capillary and evaporative enrichment of surface salts. Soil organisms such as earthworms, nematodes, mycorrhiza, and bacteria play a crucial role in improving soil porosity and nutrient availability. Each one percent increase in soil organic matter helps soil hold 20,000 gallons more water per acre. Mineralization can combat mineral depletion, and flooding can rejuvenate soil chemistry through mineralization.