5.15

• Contour plowing: plowing parallel to natural slope of the land instead of down slopes prevents water runoff and soil erosion

  • forms mini terraces that catch water running off, conserving soil and water
• terracing: cutting flat platforms of soil into steep slope

  • flatness of terraces catches water and prevents it from becoming runoff and eroding soil
• perennial crops: crops that live year round and are harvested numerous times

  • longer, more established roots and prevention of bare soil between harvest
• windbreaks: using trees or other plants to block the force of the wind from eroding topsoil

  • can provide habitat for pollinators and other species
  • can be used as a source of firewood, fruit (income)
• no till: leaving leftover crop remains in soil instead of tilling under

  • adds organic matter to soil
  • prevents erosion from loosened soil
• strip cropping:

  • another name for intercropping
  • alternating rows of dense crops with rows of less dense crops to prevent runoff from eroding soil
• Improving soil fertility:

  • crop rotation - allows soil to recover from nitrogen demanding crops
  • limestone - releases CaCO3 (basic) which neutralizes acidic soil
  • acidic soil displaces cation nutrients from soil
  • rotational grazing: regular rotation of livestock to different pastures to prevent overgrazing