Question

Give information on:

Measures of soil conservation.

Answer 1

Measures of soil conservation are as follows:

1. Tree plantation: Tree plantation is one of the most important measures of soil conservation. Planting trees control the velocity of the wind. This helps in reducing the erosion of soil by winds. The plant roots hold the soil firm and this also reduced the erosion of soil.
2. Constructing Continuous Counter Trenches (CCTs): Soil is conserved by constructing Continuous counter Trenches (CCTs) along the slopes. Construction of CCTs at different heights checks the velocity of water running along the slopes and thus reduces soil erosion. The water arrested in CCTs percolates into the ground. This further helps in increasing the level of groundwater. 
3. Watershed Development Program: The government of Maharashtra has implemented the Watershed (Catchment Area) Development Program under which constructing embankments along slopes in rural areas, introducing CCTs along steep slopes, etc. activities are undertaken. This led to the success of the scheme, 'Arrest water, let it percolate'. This has resulted in raising the groundwater levels and reducing the erosion of soil.
4. Jalayukt Shivar: The government of Maharashtra has recently launched a scheme called 'Jalayukt Shivar'. Under this scheme, works like construction of farm bunds, arresting waters of small streams, connecting the streams, etc. are being carried out on a large scale.