Question

How do ‘wrong methods of farming’ lead to greater soil erosion?

Answer 1

1. Ploughing breaks soil aggregates into loose particles that are easily carried away by wind or rain if left exposed.
2. Ploughing along slopes (instead of along contours) creates furrows that channel and speed runoff, forming rills and gullies and increasing soil loss.
3. Leaving land bare after tilling (no cover crop or residue) exposes soil to splash, runoff and wind erosion.
4. Lack of mulching or removal/use of crop residues as fuel removes surface protection and reduces soil particle binding and moisture retention.
5. Shifting or slash‑and‑burn cultivation (jhumming) clears vegetation and burns organic matter, lowering fertility and leaving soil exposed to erosion by rain and wind.
6. Overgrazing removes protective grass cover and loosens soil with hooves, making the surface vulnerable to being washed or blown away.
7. Removing trees/shelter belts for farming eliminates roots and canopies that hold soil and reduce wind/rain impact, speeding erosion and runoff.