Question

The process of covering bare ground with a layer of organic matter in order to retain soil moisture is called ______.
1. contour ploughing
2. terrace farming
3. mulching
4. intercropping

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : mulching

The correct answer is mulching.

• Mulching is the process of covering the bare ground with a layer of organic matter in order to retain soil moisture.
  Mulching is a protective layer of a material that is spread on top of the surface of the soil.
  Mulching helps in the conservation of soil moisture, improving the fertility of the soil, and reducing weed growth.

• Contour ploughing is the farming practice of plowing or planting across a slope following the contours of hills and slopes.
• These contour lines create a water break which reduces the formation of rills and gullies during times of heavy water run-off; which is a major cause of soil erosion.
• The water break also allows more time for the water to settle into the soil. 
• In contour ploughing, the ruts made by the plough run perpendicular rather than parallel to slopes, generally resulting in furrows that curve around the land and are level.​
• Terrace farming is a farming technique whereby “steps” known as terraces are built onto the slopes of hills and mountains.
• • This practice is mainly used on sloping lands to prevent rainfall-runoff and to reduce serious erosion.
• Intercropping is the practice of cultivation of two or more crops simultaneously on the same field. 
  • Inter-cropping helps in increasing soil fertility and also helps in the prevention of pests and diseases to spread throughout the field.