What slope percentage indicates land unsuited for cultivation?

Study for the Iowa Soil Judging Test. Master soil concepts with interactive questions and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

A slope percentage of 18-30% indicates land that is generally unsuited for cultivation due to several factors related to soil erosion, drainage, and the challenges of tillage. At these slope percentages, the risk of soil erosion significantly increases as water runoff becomes faster and more intense, leading to the loss of topsoil and nutrients essential for plant growth.

Additionally, the steepness of the slope complicates agricultural practices; machinery cannot be effectively used, and planting and harvesting become more difficult and costly. The potential for landslides or instability in the soil increases at these steeper slopes, making effective crop establishment and maintenance nearly impossible. Therefore, land with a slope of 18-30% is categorized as unsuitable for regular agricultural cultivation, contrasting with the flatter lands which are more favorable for farming activities.

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