What are the Advantages of the Contour System?
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 9th, 2023
There are several advantages of the Contour System which are as follows: Contour system farming reduces the impact of floods, landslides, and storms on crops, controls runoff water, reduces soil erosion, and increases moisture infiltration and retention, improving soil quality and composition. Compared to uphill and downhill farming, it can reduce soil erosion by up to 50%. Raising water infiltration by decreasing runoff and sediment helps to improve water quality.
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Advantages of the Contour System
Since ancient times, Contour farming has been practised in regions of the world where irrigation is crucial. During the 19th century, this method was used in the United States by directly planting crops in rows that were parallel to field boundaries.
- Creating row patterns that are oriented around the hill as it descends is how Contour farming is done.
- The hundreds of little dam rows increase infiltration and slow water flow to lessen erosion.
- It is the practice of paving sloping land along consistent elevation lines to conserve rainwater and reduce soil loss through surface erosion.
- These objectives are achieved by using furrows, crop rows, and wheel tracks across the slopes, which act as reservoirs to capture and retain rainwater, allowing for uniform water distribution.
Summary:
What are the Advantages of the Contour System?
There are many advantages of the Contour System of farming. It reduces the impact of landslides, floods, and storms on crops. Reduction of soil erosion, control of runoff water, and increase of moisture retention and infiltration improves the composition and soil quality.
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