Soil Conservation
Methods and Practices
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Soil Conservation
Methods and Practices
Soil as one of the most important natural resources needs personal and societal actions devising and implementing ways of how to conserve and protect it. Analyzing the food pyramid, plants (plant foods) are at the base signifying that they are fundamental to the existence of life. Most organisms are dependent to the food produced by plants as being autotrophic (self-feeder). Plants require soil for survival as their roots get the necessary nutrients to grow and to bear fruits.
Soil is one of the most important natural
resources that require conservation
practices. Most of the methods that are
utilized to promote sustainable use of the
soil are:
1. Tree Planting : Roots of trees firmly
hold on the soil making it stagnant and
prevent soil erosion. As they grow, their
roots go deeper and spread wider into
the soil. In addition, soil under a
vegetative cover is saved from erosion
due to wind as this cover acts as a wind
barrier.
(^) 3. No-till Farming : Tilling is the process of preparing soil for plowing. In conserving the soil, no-till farming which is a way of growing crops without disturbing it through tillage is highly recommended. The process of tilling is beneficial in mixing fertilizers in the soil, making rows and preparing the surface for sowing. Unfortunately, tilling activity can lead to compaction of soil, loss of organic matter in the soil and the death of soil organisms. No-till farming is a way to prevent the soil from this harm
- Contour Plowing : This practice of farming on slopes considers the slope gradient and the elevation of soil along the slope. It is the method of plowing across the contour lines of a slope. This method helps in slowing the water runoff and prevents soil from being washed away along the slope. Contour plowing also helps in
percolation of water in the soil.
- Maintaining Soil pH : The contamination of soil by addition of acidic or basic pollutants and due to acid rains has an adverse effect on the soil pH. Soil pH is an indicator of the level of nutrients in soil. The uptake of nutrients by plants also depends on the pH of soil. Maintaining the correct value of soil pH, is thus essential for soil conservation.
7. Water the Soil : We water plants, we
water the crops, but do we water the soil?
We seldom do. Watering soil is a good
measure of soil conservation. Watering
the soil along with plants growing in it is
a way to prevent soil erosion caused by
wind.
(^) 9. Promote Helpful Soil Organisms : Nitrogen-fixing and denitrifying bacteria are important constituents of the nitrogen cycle. They live in soil. Bacteria and fungi help keep the soil healthy. Organisms like earthworms help decompose organic material in the soil. They aid soil aeration and help it maintain porosity. Rodents too, help soil the same way. This increases the absorbing capacity of soil. Earthworms, through aeration of soil, enhance the availability of macronutrients. These helpful organisms boost soil fertility and help in soil conservation.