Soil Erosion Management Strategies (Cambridge International IGCSE Environmental Management)

Strategies to reduce soil erosion

• Farmers use a range of strategies to reduce and manage soil erosion. These involve:

  • Slowing down water flow
  • Reducing wind speed
  • Protecting soil structure

• These strategies help maintain soil fertility and keep land productive for future farming

Terracing

• Terracing involves cutting the hillside into flat steps
• Each step slows the movement of water downhill
• This reduces surface run-off, giving water more time to soak into the soil
• Prevents large amounts of soil being washed away on steep slopes

Terracing helps to conserve soils by slowing the speed of water runoff, which allows water time to infiltrate the soil, minimising soil erosion

Contour ploughing

• Contour ploughing is ploughing across a slope, following the natural shape of the land
• This creates small ridges that slow down water
• Reduces surface run-off, which helps prevent soil from being carried downhill
• Increases the amount of water that soaks into the ground

Contour ploughing also helps to conserve soils by slowing the speed of water runoff

Bunds

• Bunds are small embankments or raised barriers built along field edges
• They help trap water and reduce run-off
• They also reduce wind speed, offering protection from wind erosion
• They can help collect water for crops, improving soil moisture

Windbreaks

• Windbreaks are rows of trees, shrubs or fences planted to block strong winds
• They reduce wind speed, preventing soil from being blown away
• They protect crops from wind damage
• They also create sheltered areas that help the soil to retain moisture

Wind reduction techniques help to minimise soil erosion and protect crops from wind damage

Maintaining vegetation cover

• Vegetation protects soil by reducing the impact of raindrops

• Plant roots bind the soil, holding it firmly in place

  • This makes soil less likely to be washed or blown away

• Vegetation slows surface run-off and absorbs water, reducing erosion

• Leaving fields covered with plants or crop residues after harvesting prevents soil from being left bare

Addition of organic matter

• Adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, improves soil structure

  • This helps stabilise soil, making it less likely to break apart

• Organic matter also:

  • Increases the soil’s ability to absorb and hold water
  • Supports soil organisms like earthworms, which improve the soil’s aeration and drainage

Exam Hint Students often confuse terracing with contour ploughing because both are used on slopes. Remember: terracing involves cutting the hillside into flat, step-like platforms that physically hold soil in place, while contour ploughing simply means ploughing across the slope to slow water flow.

Similarly, don't confuse bunds and windbreaks. Remember: bunds are low barriers on the ground, while windbreaks are tall structures like trees or fences.