What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in the hilly areas?
To control soil erosion in hilly areas, contour ploughing is an effective method. This involves ploughing along the contour lines, which helps to decelerate the flow of water down the slopes.
Another major step is terrace cultivation. In this method, steps are cut out on the slopes to make terraces, which restricts erosion. This type of farming is well-developed in the Western and Central Himalayas.
Additionally, afforestation and proper management of grazing can help solve problems of land degradation and prevent soil erosion.
Explanation
The textbook context specifically identifies methods suitable for slopes and hilly areas. Contour ploughing is linked to decelerating water flow down slopes. Terrace cultivation is explicitly mentioned as restricting erosion on slopes, with the Western and Central Himalayas cited as examples. Afforestation is included as a general measure for land degradation mentioned in the text.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify methods related to 'slopes' and 'hilly areas' from the text (Contour ploughing and Terrace cultivation).
Step 2: Draft the explanation for contour ploughing (ploughing along contour lines to decelerate water).
Step 3: Draft the explanation for terrace cultivation (cutting steps on slopes to restrict erosion).
Step 4: Add general conservation methods mentioned in the text like afforestation to ensure word count requirements are met.