How to Use Contour Plowing to Prevent Erosion

Traditionally, agricultural land that is plowed up and then down on a slope often has a problem of erosion caused by wind and rain. If erosion occurs, the topsoil is washed away and the ground becomes unproductive for crops. Prevent erosion using contour farming, which is simply following the contours of the land and plowing across the slope. A major benefit of contour plowing is that it slows the runoff water on a hill as it goes down the slope, preventing erosion.

Things You'll Need

• Tractor
• Plow

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Hook the plow to the tractor and begin plowing across the slope. Plowing across the slope and with the contour of the land is crucial to prevent erosion.

   • 2

     Keep the tractor direction as horizontal to the slope as possible. Monitor the direction as you plow.

   • 3

     Use strip cropping, or planting grass between tilled areas to reduce erosion. Strip cropping is simply growing grass and other plants in strips between sections of grain crops.