Which practice is effective for reducing soil erosion from both water and wind?

• A. Continued plowing with no cover crops.
• B. Leaving fields bare during the growing season.
• C. Contour farming and cover crops.
• D. Increasing the speed of irrigation.

Answer: (C)

Reducing soil erosion from both water and wind comes from protecting the soil surface and slowing the movement of soil-laden water. Contour farming follows the natural shape of the land by plowing along lines that run across slopes. This creates natural barriers to runoff, slows water flow, and helps sediment settle instead of washing away, which tackles erosion from rainfall and surface water.

Cover crops add another layer of protection. They provide ground cover during times when no cash crops are present, and their roots bind the soil while the shoots shield the soil surface from raindrop impact and drying wind. This not only reduces water erosion by improving infiltration and reducing runoff, but also minimizes wind erosion by keeping the soil in place and less susceptible to being blown away.

The combination of contour farming and cover crops is thus effective for both erosion pathways. Leaving fields bare, plowing without cover, and increasing irrigation speed all tend to worsen erosion: bare soil offers no protection, while intense water application or lack of residue leaves soil exposed and more easily eroded.