B. Windbreak
A windbreak would be the most suitable method for the farmer to use in order to reduce wind erosion on the flat plot of land he purchased. Windbreaks are effective at reducing wind erosion and require minimal maintenance once established. Additionally, the farmer has a large budget for the project, which can help cover the initial costs of planting the trees or shrubs needed for the windbreak.
Several different methods can be used to help reduce soil erosion due to farming. Some of these methods are discussed below.
Methods for Reducing Soil Erosion on Farmland
Method Picture Demonstrating Method Description of Method Pros and Cons of Method
Buffer Strip
Image Courtesy of USDA small strips of permanent vegetation are planted in between areas where crops are grown in order to reduce the movement of soil Pros: most effective at preventing water erosion, but can also help reduce wind erosion; improves soil quality; cost is low compared to other methods
Cons: can be time-consuming to plant initial vegetation; some maintenance is required after setup
Windbreak
Image Courtesy of USDA rows of trees or shrubs are planted around the area being used for crops Pros: very effective at reducing wind erosion; minimal maintenance required
Cons: can be expensive to plant the trees or bushes needed for the windbreak; can take time for the trees or bushes to grow large enough to provide a benefit
Contour Plowing
Image Courtesy of USDA crops are planted along a slope instead of up-and-down a slope Pros: prevents water erosion due to water running down a slope; improves soil quality
Cons: can become expensive; heavy equipment is often needed for initial plowing; may make some farming practices harder
Terracing
Image Courtesy of USDA pieces of sloped land are cut into flat surfaces or platforms Pros: water erosion is greatly reduced due to the ground being flat instead of sloped
Cons: can be very expensive and time-consuming to setup and maintain; unmaintained terracing can lead to increased erosion instead of erosion prevention
A farmer buys a new plot of land on which to grow crops. The land he buys is very flat. The farmer's main concern with this plot of land is wind erosion because certain seasons are very windy in this area. He has a large budget for the project, but he does not want to spend a lot of time or money maintaining any erosion control method that he installs.
Which method of erosion control is probably most suitable for the farmer to use?
A.
buffer strips
B.
windbreak
C.
contour plowing
D.
terracing
1 answer
1 answer