Red Seal Agricultural Equipment Technician Practice Exam

How can you avoid soil erosion on a farm?

1. Replanting crops each year

2. Implementing contour farming and maintaining vegetation cover

3. Reducing crop diversity

4. Applying chemical barriers

The correct answer is: Implementing contour farming and maintaining vegetation cover

Implementing contour farming and maintaining vegetation cover effectively prevents soil erosion by utilizing the natural topography of the land to manage water runoff. This farming practice involves plowing and planting across the slope of the land rather than up and down, which helps to slow down water flow and allows more time for water to infiltrate the soil. By following the contours of the land, this method disrupts the straight-line flow of water, reducing the potential for soil to wash away. Maintaining vegetation cover also plays a crucial role in protecting the soil. Roots from plants help to anchor the soil in place, reducing the likelihood that it will be eroded by rain or wind. The plants themselves provide a physical barrier against the impact of falling rain, which can displace soil particles. Areas with healthy vegetation are more resilient to erosive forces. In contrast, replanting crops each year may not necessarily promote soil stability if practices like crop rotation or cover cropping are not used. Reducing crop diversity can leave soil vulnerable, as diverse crops help to build resilience against pests and erosion. Applying chemical barriers may not address the root causes of erosion and can negatively impact soil health and the surrounding ecosystem.