soilconservation
Soil conservation is the practice of protecting soil from degradation and maintaining its productivity, structure, and biodiversity. It involves management strategies aimed at preventing erosion by water and wind, reducing nutrient loss, and enhancing soil organic matter and moisture retention. Healthy soils support crop yields, water quality, and ecosystem services such as carbon storage and habitat for soil organisms.
Degradation results from erosion, compaction, salinization, and nutrient mining, often exacerbated by intensive tillage, deforestation, overgrazing,
Practices include terracing, contour plowing, strip cropping, cover crops, mulch, reduced tillage or no-till farming, windbreaks,
Historically, modern soil conservation accelerated during the 20th century, notably after the Dust Bowl of the
Benefits include slower soil loss, improved yields, better water quality, increased carbon sequestration, and biodiversity support.