Q1. [3] medium thorough-understanding
Contour ploughing, terrace cultivation, strip cropping and shelter belts are all methods of soil conservation. Explain how ANY TWO of these methods work, making clear the physical process each one interrupts or slows down.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:29 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Contour Ploughing: Ploughing is done along the contour lines of a slope instead of up and down. This decelerates the flow of water down the slope, reducing the cutting action that forms gullies and preventing sheet erosion.
Strip Cropping: Large fields are divided into strips, with strips of grass left between crops. The grass breaks up the force of the wind, interrupting wind erosion that would otherwise blow loose topsoil off flat or sloping land.
Source: Resources and Development, Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation
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Explanation
- The question asks you to name the physical process each method interrupts or slows—examiners specifically want this link. For contour ploughing = water flow/sheet erosion; for terraces = water runoff; for strip cropping = wind force; for shelter belts = wind.
- Quote the textbook wording closely ("decelerates the flow," "breaks up the force of the wind") — it shows you know the source.
- Any two methods are acceptable; pick the two you can explain most precisely.