How Does Strip Cropping Prevent Soil Erosion

Strip cropping alternates strips of closely sown crops such as hay wheat or other small grains with strips Of row crops such as corn soybeans cotton or. The widths of the strips of erosion resisting and erosion permitting crops depend upon several factors like slope soil texture rainfall characteristics type of crops etc.

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Strip-cropping is the practice of planting crops in strips and sowing plants like alfalfa in between the strips.

How does strip cropping prevent soil erosion. Terracing keeps the soil from moving very far downhill since it will only get as far as the next terrace downhill. Strip cropping as a technique for erosion control is a most effective measure in certain soils and topography. Strip cropping Strip cropping is a method of farming used when a slope is too steep or too long or otherwise when one does not have an alternative method of preventing soil erosion.

It is especially effective on steeper slopes where improved water retention is the key to addressing soil erosion. Strip cropping helps to stop soil erosion by creating natural dams for water helping to preserve the strength of the soil. FIELD STRIP CROPPING Where the soil is absorbent and where it would be impracticable to follow the true contour a modified form of contour strip cropping is FIGURE 1Contour stris of corn altcinutiiis vcfietationwith close-growuif.

There are four types of strip cropping system viz contour strip cropping field strip cropping buffer strip cropping and wind strip cropping. Strip cropping is ef-. Use mulch matting to hold vegetation on slopes.

Left exposed causing crops to fail due to the amount of topsoil being lost to wind and water. Conservation tillage methods such as no-till planting strip rotary tillage chiseling and disking leave more of the field surface covered with crop residue that protects the soil from eroding. Water will also be slowed by the terraces and so will be less able to carry tremendous amounts of soil downhill.

When water reaches the weaker soil that lacks the minerals needed to make it stronger it normally washes it away. How does the terracing shown in Figure 1 photo prevent soil erosion. Method 1 Using Basic Erosion Prevention Techniques.

Protect weak crops with strip cropping. Plant these in strips alternating with strips of an erosion-resistant crop such as dense grass or legumes. More heavily vegetated strips slow runoff and catch soil eroded from more exposed strips.

Crops with weak roots or that need to be sparsely planted are more vulnerable to erosion. Terracing refers to planting and plowing on multiple tiers of land that resemble graduated steps. This method becomes more effective for erosion control when it is followed with crop rotations in the area where terraces are not practically feasible due to division of slope into small segments.

Important to minimize soil erosion because soils in farming are. Generally the use of strip cropping practice for soil conservation is decided in those areas where length of slope is not too longer. Reduce effects of erosion and balance soil pH.

Cropping practices that improve soils organic matter and soils overall health is the ideal method of reducing soil pH. The dense root structure of alfalfa helps to keep the soil in place during heavy rainfall. Of strip cropping include contour field or buffer.

Add mulch or rocks. Plant grass and shrubs. Certain layers of plants will absorb minerals and water from the soil more effectively than others.

Simply so how do we prevent soil erosion. About twice as effective as contouring but it does not involve greater effect on soil erosion as terracing and bunding. Depending upon the.

Reduce ruu-olF and prevent accelerated erosion. Strip cropping divides fields into long narrow segments that help control runoff and erosion while growing crops in rotation. Strip cropping is more intensive practice for conserving the rain water than contouring ie.

Conventional tillage produces a smooth surface that leaves soil vulnerable to erosion. Strips planted on the contour of slopes contour strip cropping are especially effective in controlling runoff and erosion. Reduce soil erosion from water Reduce the transport of sediment and other water-borne contaminants Reduce soil erosion from wind Protect growing crops from damage by wind-borne soil particles Improve water quality How Does This Practice Work.

Geotextiles in natural fibers like coir can be used in strip planting and terracing to serve double duty. Plant the crops so they contour the slope. Terracing is a great way to preserve soil when farming is being done on hillsides.

Strip cropping is usually done by planting different crops in alternating strips which are regularly rotated to allow soil regeneration and nutrient replenishment.

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