What practices can prevent soil erosion?

The answer that involves cover cropping, contour plowing, and terracing is the best choice for preventing soil erosion due to the effectiveness of these practices in promoting soil stability and reducing surface runoff.

Cover cropping involves planting specific types of crops primarily to protect and enrich the soil rather than for harvest. These crops help to bind the soil together with their root systems, reducing erosion caused by wind and water. Additionally, cover crops improve soil fertility and structure, enhance moisture retention, and support biodiversity.

Contour plowing involves plowing along the contours of the land rather than in straight lines. This technique slows water runoff and helps to create natural barriers that can direct water towards vegetation instead of down steep slopes, further preventing soil erosion.

Terracing converts sloped land into a series of steps, which reduces water runoff and allows for greater water absorption, effectively minimizing soil erosion. Each terrace acts like a dam, slowing down the flow of water and allowing more time for it to infiltrate into the soil.

Together, these practices are integrated approaches to erosion control, contributing to sustainable soil management and protecting land from degradation.