Which method is commonly used for soil erosion control in agriculture?

Contour farming is a method of soil erosion control that involves plowing and planting across the slope of the land, following its natural contours. This practice helps to slow down water runoff during rain events, reducing soil erosion significantly. By creating furrows that act as barriers, contour farming helps to catch water and promotes infiltration back into the soil, which can sustain moisture levels and improve water retention.

This method is particularly effective on hilly or sloped terrain, where erosion risks are higher. By planting crops in rows that follow the contour lines rather than straight up and down the slope, farmers can reduce the speed of water flowing over the land, thereby minimizing erosion and preserving soil health.

Other methods mentioned, such as strip cropping, plowing, and planting cover crops, also play roles in erosion control; however, contour farming is uniquely impactful in altering the land's shape and flow of water to directly combat erosion in sloped environments.