Question

Ploughing across the slope in hilly area is called

• A. Terracing
• B. Crop rotation
• C. Contour ploughing
• D. No till farming

Hint:

Think of contour furrows as "speed bumps" for rainwater.
Always plough "perpendicular" to the direction of the slope to ensure maximum water retention.
This simple change in direction can reduce soil erosion by up to 50%.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question identifies a specific agricultural practice where the land is ploughed along the lines of equal elevation (across the slope) rather than up and down the slope.
Detailed Explanation:

• Concept of Contour Lines:
A contour line is an imaginary line on the surface of the earth connecting points of equal elevation above sea level.
Ploughing "across the slope" means the tractor or plough follows these contour lines, staying at the same height throughout the path.

• Hydrological Impact:
If ploughing is done up and down a slope, the furrows (grooves made by the plough) act as ready-made channels for rainwater.
This allows water to gain speed quickly, leading to "rill" and "gully" erosion.
In contrast, contour ploughing creates horizontal furrows that act as miniature dams.
These furrows catch the flowing water, allowing it to soak into the ground instead of washing away the soil.

• Comparison with Other Options:
Terracing: This is a more permanent and structural modification involving heavy earth-moving to create flat steps.
Crop rotation: This is a biological method involving the sequence of crops to maintain soil fertility and break pest cycles.
No-till farming: This involves planting crops without disturbing the soil with a plough, primarily to maintain soil structure and organic matter.

• Agricultural Benefits:
It conserves moisture, which is critical in rain-fed hilly agriculture.
It prevents the loss of fertilizers and nutrients that would otherwise be washed away with the runoff.
It is a cost-effective "agronomic" measure compared to "engineering" measures like terracing.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The practice of following the natural elevation lines of the land to create barriers against runoff is known as contour ploughing.