What agricultural practice helps to combat soil erosion while also managing water runoff?

• A. Monoculture planting
• B. Contour farming
• C. Under irrigation
• D. Direct seeding

Answer: (B)

Contour farming is a sustainable agricultural practice designed specifically to tackle soil erosion while effectively managing water runoff. This practice involves plowing and planting across the slope of the land, following its natural contours rather than planting in straight rows up and down hills. By doing so, it creates small ridges that can slow down the flow of water runoff during rainfall.

This method helps to reduce soil erosion by allowing water to infiltrate the soil more efficiently, rather than running off quickly and carrying soil with it. As the water moves more slowly along the contour lines, there is less potential for the soil to wash away, which can lead to more effective moisture retention. Additionally, contour farming helps to capture sediments and nutrients, supporting sustainable land health and productivity.

In contrast, practices like monoculture planting may increase the vulnerability of soil due to a lack of biodiversity, while under irrigation could lead to water wastage if not properly managed. Direct seeding does not specifically address the issues of erosion and runoff in the same way that contour farming does, making it less effective for this purpose.