What is contour ploughing and contour barriers in detail?

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Detailed Solution

Contour ploughing is the farming practice of ploughing along the natural curves of the land, while contour barriers are physical barriers like stones, grass, or soil placed along the contour lines to prevent water flow and soil erosion.

Contour Ploughing

Instead of ploughing up and down a slope, farmers plough along contour lines, which are lines connecting areas of the same height. This reduces the speed of water flow and prevents washing away of fertile soil.

Advantages of Contour Ploughing

Prevents soil erosion on slopes.
Improves water absorption into the soil.
Conserves nutrients for crops.

Contour Barriers

Contour barriers are rows of stones, soil bunds, or grass placed along contour lines to act as speed breakers for flowing water. They trap soil and allow water to seep into the ground.

Advantages of Contour Barriers

Reduces water runoff.
Helps in soil conservation.
Improves groundwater recharge.

Aspect	Contour Ploughing	Contour Barriers
Definition	Ploughing along contour lines	Barriers built on contour lines
Function	Slows water flow naturally	Blocks and slows runoff physically
Materials	Ploughing method	Soil, grass, or stones

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