Which farming practice is used to protect soil and reduce erosion?

• A. Fallow land without crop
• B. Overgrazing
• C. Conservation tillage
• D. Burning fields

Answer: (C)

The main idea is protecting soil from erosion by keeping the soil covered and disturbing it as little as possible. Conservation tillage does exactly that by reducing soil disturbance and leaving crop residues on the surface after harvest. Those residues act like mulch, absorbing the impact of raindrops, slowing surface runoff, and increasing water infiltration. This helps prevent soil from washing away, preserves soil structure, and maintains organic matter, all of which keep soil fertile and productive over time.

Leaving land fallow leaves soil bare, making it highly vulnerable to erosion from rain and wind. Overgrazing removes protective vegetation and can compact the soil, increasing the risk of runoff and erosion. Burning fields removes residues, degrades soil organic matter, and can worsen soil structure, also making erosion more likely. Conservation tillage stands out because it directly minimizes disturbance while maintaining ground cover, reducing erosion hazards.