What soil preparation practice can help prevent erosion?

Conservation tillage is a soil preparation practice that significantly helps in preventing erosion. This method involves minimizing soil disturbance and maintaining a protective cover of crop residues or other organic materials on the soil surface. By doing so, conservation tillage enhances soil structure, improves moisture retention, and reduces the impact of rainfall on the soil. The residues play a crucial role in protecting the soil from wind and water erosion, thereby maintaining soil health and productivity.

Using conservation tillage can also improve biodiversity in the soil and promote the development of beneficial soil organisms, which contribute to better soil quality and stability. This practice is essential in sustainable agriculture, especially in regions prone to erosion due to factors like steep slopes or heavy rainfall. Implementing conservation tillage reduces soil loss while promoting sustainable land management practices that support agricultural productivity over the long term.