Question

Which one of the following methods is used in Western and Central Himalayas for soil conservation?
A.Terrace farming
B.Strip cropping
C.Shelter belts
D.None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The decline in soil fertility due to degradation in its quality and erosion of the top layer has become a widespread issue. These issues are often caused by human activities like deforestation or overgrazing, however, they can also take place due to natural calamities. With an increase in the human population, large areas of natural vegetation are being converted into settlements, industries or agricultural land which aggravates soil erosion.

Complete answer: Option A: is correct. Terrace farming is the method by which steps are built on slopes of hills and mountains to carry out farming. Various crops are grown on each level so that the rains do not erode the soil and the nutrients in it. This method of farming is commonly practised in Western and Central Himalayas mainly in the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya so that free-flowing avalanche of water does not destroy the crops. Ridges and channels are constructed on these steps to carry water to each level by aqueducts and distribute it.
Option B: is incorrect. Strip cropping or alternate cropping is also a method to prevent soil erosion in which alternate rows of different crops are grown on the same field. It is done by sowing a row of cultivating crops mostly corn, soybean and cotton alongside a row of sod-forming crops like hay or other forages. However, it cannot be done in the Western and Central Himalayas because it requires flat terrain.
Option C: is incorrect. Shelterbelts are the process of planting multiple rows of trees or shrubs to check the wind movement and also to prevent soil erosion. They are also called windbreaks or hedgerows. During winters, it helps to keep the snow from drifting on the farm and damage the crops. Similar to strip cropping, shelterbelts also require flat terrain so they cannot be done on a large scale in the Central and Western Himalayas.
Option D: is incorrect.

Therefore the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Apart from the three methods of farming discussed above, there are also other methods that prevent soil erosion like contour ploughing, mulching and building rock dams. All of these methods either slow down the flow of water or retain soil moisture or do both.