With reference to soil conservation, consider the following practices : 1. Crop rotation 2. Sand fences 3. Terracing 4. Wind breaks Which of the above are considered appropriate methods for soil conservation in India ?

All four practices are appropriate for soil conservation. Crop rotation (including alternating exhaustive crops with legumes) helps maintain soil fertility and reduces erosion by improving soil structure and management practices [4]. Terracing cuts steps into slopes to restrict runoff and soil loss and is a traditional erosion-control method in hilly regions such as the Himalayas [2]. Sand fences and sand-dune stabilization are key measures to control wind erosion and desertification, often combined with shelter-belt plantations [1]. Wind breaks or shelter belts reduce wind fetch and shield soils from wind erosion; they are recommended as part of wind-erosion control and afforestation measures [5].

Sources

1. [4] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > i) rotation of crops > p. 19
2. [2] NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe > Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation > p. 12
3. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 15: Regional Development and Planning > Desertification and Desert Development Programme > p. 46
4. [3] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > SoIl EroSIon. > p. 17
5. [5] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 3. Soil Erosion > p. 70