What type of soil practices may be used if the slope is gently sloping?

In gently sloping areas, contouring and conservation tillage are effective soil management practices. Contouring involves plowing and planting across the slope of the land rather than up and down, which helps to reduce soil erosion and slow water runoff. This practice allows for better water retention and minimizes the loss of topsoil, making it particularly beneficial in maintaining soil health.

Conservation tillage, on the other hand, reduces soil disturbance by leaving a portion of the crop residue on the soil surface. This not only helps in preserving moisture but also improves soil structure, enhances organic matter content, and promotes beneficial soil organisms. When combined with contouring, these practices can significantly improve soil quality and agricultural productivity in gently sloping landscapes.

While other practices like only conservation tillage or ground tilling may have their own benefits, they lack the comprehensive erosion control and soil health advantages that contouring provides, especially when dealing with slopes. Not recommending any practices could lead to increased erosion and degradation of the soil in such areas, which underscores the importance of using a combination of contouring and conservation tillage.