1. Soil Conservation with Farming: Terracing, Contour plowing, No-till agricultureBy
Shanaya Reyes

2. Terracing
Definition-make or form (sloping land) into a number of level flat areas resembling a series
of steps.
Explanation: decreasing the slope by making it resemble “steps” which are commonly found on the side of a mountain or hill
Farmers use this technique because it allows for the cultivation of water intensive crops in these areas because it helps trap and hold rainwater.
Types of crops: rice, cotton,
sugar cane, wheat, potatoes
Popular in Eastern Asia.
Disadvantages:
rainwater saturation of the ground.
Terracing requires huge inputs of labor to construct and maintain, and when not properly
Terracing also has been shown to reduce soil quality
Advantages:
reduces erosion
Holds rainwater which allows for the cultivation of water intensive crops as mentioned before.

3. Contour Plowing
Definition- plowing along the contours of the land in order to minimize soil erosion
Explanation: tilling sloped land in order to conserve rainwater, and with the help of furrows, crop rows, and wheel tracks across the slopes, it helps permit increased infiltration and more uniform distribution of the water.
Farmers use it because it protects crops from violent storms or heavy rains and preserves top soil
Crops: corn, beans, or wheat
Most prevalent in the United States (Great Plains Region)
Advantages:
it reduces erosion & run off
Helps preserve top soil and the minerals/fertilizers used for growing the crops
Disadvantages:
weeds are commonly found due to the presence of holes and pockets in the soil
Highest fuel and labor costs.

4. No-till Agriculture Definition-farming where the
soil is left relatively undisturbed
from harvest to planting.
Explanation: A narrow seedbed is
prepared by drilling holes in the
soil in which seeds are planted.
It is a way of growing crops without disturbing the soil through tillage.
Farmers use this technique as it causes no disturbance of the soil and enables greater soil retention and so less nutrients and fertilizers are used
Crops: great variety of vegetables such as cabbage and great variety of beans.
Advantages:
Excellent erosion control.
Soil moisture conservation.
Minimum fuel and labor costs.
Builds soil structure and health.
Disadvantages:
No incorporation.
Increased dependence on herbicides.
Slow soil warming on poorly drained soils.
Most prevalent in America (Eastern)

5. Monoculture vs. Polyculture
Advantages:
Reduced plant competition
Control of undesirable organisms
Reduction of costs
Maximize profit from the growing of high gross margin crops
Disadvantages:
leads to suppression of natural fires
Decreased pH of forest soils
Loss of soil nutrients
Increased soil erosion
Polyculture
Disadvantages:
More difficult to monitor andcontrol farm activities
Farmers have to be knowledgeable in more diverseagriculture fields
Initial costs can he higher
Advantages:
Increased biodiversity
Stable income for famers

6. Works Cited
Baker, Matt. “Polyculture Pros and Cons”. Permies. 09 Sept Web. 05 Apr
“Contour Farming”. Conservationfarming. Conervation Technology Information Center. Web. 05 Apr
Mother Earth News editors. “No-Till Farming Pros and Cons”. Motherearthnews. Ogden Publications, Inc. May Web. 05 Apr
“Terrace Cultivation”. Britainnica. Encyclopedia Britainnica. Web. 12 May 2015.
“Terrace Farming: A Unique Agriculutre Solution”. Socialstudiesforkids. Social Studies for Kids. Web. 05 Apr
Troy in Farming. “The Advantages of Polyculture vs Monoculture”. Organicfarmingblog. Organic Farming Blog. 04 Mar Web. 05 Apr