Question

Which one of the following is an agronomic measure of soil and water conservation:

• A. Vegetative barriers
• B. Contour bunding
• C. Afforestation
• D. Conservation ditching

Hint:

Rule of Thumb: If you use a tractor to build it, it's usually Mechanical. If you plant it (like strips, mulch, or barriers), it's usually Agronomic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Soil conservation measures are broadly classified into three categories: Agronomic (using crops and tillage), Engineering/Mechanical (physical structures), and Forestry (large-scale tree planting).

Step 1: Analyze Engineering/Mechanical measures.
Contour bunding (2) and Conservation ditching (4) involve the physical movement of soil to create barriers or channels. These require engineering designs and are classified as mechanical measures.

Step 2: Analyze Forestry measures.
Afforestation (3) involves the establishment of forests on land that was not previously forested. This is a long-term biological/forestry measure.

Step 3: Identify the Agronomic measure.
Vegetative barriers (1) involve the use of live plants (like Vetiver grass) planted across the slope to slow down runoff and trap sediment. Because this relies on biological/botanical management within the cropping system, it is classified as an agronomic/biological measure.