Soil Erosion Management Strategies (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management): Revision Note

Strategies to reduce soil erosion

• Farmers use a range of strategies to reduce and manage soil erosion. These involve:

  • Slowing down water flow

  • Reducing wind speed

  • Protecting soil structure

• These strategies help maintain soil fertility and keep land productive for future farming

Terracing

• Terracing involves cutting the hillside into flat steps

• Each step slows the movement of water downhill

• This reduces surface run-off, giving water more time to soak into the soil

• Prevents large amounts of soil being washed away on steep slopes

Contour ploughing

• Contour ploughing is ploughing across a slope, following the natural shape of the land

• This creates small ridges that slow down water

• Reduces surface run-off, which helps prevent soil from being carried downhill

• Increases the amount of water that soaks into the ground

Bunds

• Bunds are small embankments or raised barriers built along field edges

• They help trap water and reduce run-off

• They also reduce wind speed, offering protection from wind erosion

• They can help collect water for crops, improving soil moisture

Windbreaks

• Windbreaks are rows of trees, shrubs or fences planted to block strong winds

• They reduce wind speed, preventing soil from being blown away

• They protect crops from wind damage

• They also create sheltered areas that help the soil to retain moisture

Maintaining vegetation cover

• Vegetation protects soil by reducing the impact of raindrops

• Plant roots bind the soil, holding it firmly in place

  • This makes soil less likely to be washed or blown away

• Vegetation slows surface run-off and absorbs water, reducing erosion

• Leaving fields covered with plants or crop residues after harvesting prevents soil from being left bare

Addition of organic matter

• Adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, improves soil structure

  • This helps stabilise soil, making it less likely to break apart

• Organic matter also:

  • Increases the soil’s ability to absorb and hold water

  • Supports soil organisms like earthworms, which improve the soil’s aeration and drainage