Explanation:

Soil erosion and depletion are the major threats to soil as a resource. Both human and natural factors can lead to degradation of soils. Factors which lead to soil degradation are
deforestation, overgrazing, overuse of chemical fertilisers or pesticides, rain wash, landslides and floods.
Some methods of soil conservation are listed below:
Mulching : The bare ground between plants is covered with a layer of organic matter like
straw. It helps to retain soil moisture.

Contour barriers : Stones, grass, soil are used to build barriers along contours. Trenches are
made in front of the barriers to collect water.
Rock dam : Rocks are piled up to slow down the flow of water. This prevents gullies and
further soil loss.
Terrace farming : Broad flat steps or terraces are made on the steep slopes so that flat
surfaces are available to grow crops. They reduce surface runoff and soil erosion.
Intercropping : Different crops are grown in alternate rows and are sown at different times to
protect the soil from rain wash.
Contour ploughing : Ploughing parallel to the contours of a hill slope to form a natural barrier for water to flow down the slope.
Shelter belts : In the coastal and dry regions, rows of trees are planted to check the wind movement to protect soil cover