What is one of the farming practices to control erosion?

Prepare for the Pennsylvania Envirothon Soil Test with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Boost your soil science knowledge and ace your test!

Contour farming is a practice designed specifically to reduce soil erosion on sloped land. By plowing and planting across the slope rather than up and down, this method creates rows that follow the natural contours of the land. These rows act as barriers that slow down water runoff, allowing it to soak into the soil rather than carrying away topsoil, which is essential for maintaining soil health and agricultural productivity.

The effectiveness of contour farming in erosion control is significant, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall, where soil erosion can lead to the loss of fertile land and increased sediment in waterways. This practice not only preserves the soil structure but also helps in managing water resources more effectively by promoting water infiltration.

In contrast, the other farming methods listed—hydroponics, greenhouse farming, and vertical farming—are primarily focused on maximizing space and resources for growing crops, often in controlled environments, rather than directly addressing soil erosion issues in traditional agricultural settings. While those methods may be innovative in their own right, they do not contribute to erosion control in the way that contour farming does.

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