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Difficulty: HardMethods and Techniques of Environmental Conservation

Match each environmental conservation technique with its primary ecological application or degradation control mechanism.

  • Contour terracingMitigating water erosion on steep slopes by reducing surface runoff velocity
  • Afforestation belts (Shelterbelts)Checking wind erosion and desert encroachment in dry savanna and Sahel zones
  • Crop rotation with leguminous plantsBiologically restoring soil nitrogen content and breaking crop pest cycles
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)Systematically evaluating potential ecological consequences prior to project execution

Answer

Contour terracing matches with mitigating water erosion on steep slopes by reducing surface runoff velocity; Afforestation belts match with checking wind erosion and desert encroachment in dry savanna and Sahel zones; Crop rotation with leguminous plants matches with biologically restoring soil nitrogen content and breaking crop pest cycles; Environmental Impact Assessment matches with systematically evaluating potential ecological consequences prior to project execution.
Each conservation technique is correctly matched to its functional classification: mechanical water erosion control (terracing on slopes), biological wind barrier control (shelterbelts in drylands), biological nutrient replenishment (leguminous rotation), and administrative/regulatory evaluation (EIA).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze mechanical soil conservation techniques on sloped topography.
Identify that contour terracing alters hill slopes into stepped platforms to decrease surface runoff speed and prevent sheet/gully wash.
Terracing specifically targets slope gradient and water velocity.
2
Examine biological and wind erosion management techniques suitable for semi-arid zones.
Connect afforestation shelterbelts to windbreak functions in northern drylands like the Sahel.
Tree barriers break the force of harmattan winds and check sand dune movement.
3
Evaluate agricultural soil conservation methods.
Link leguminous crop rotation to biological nitrogen fixation and pest management.
Rhizobium bacteria in legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen, enhancing nutrient cycling.
4
Differentiate administrative and policy management tools from physical conservation techniques.
Pair Environmental Impact Assessment with pre-project ecological impact predictions.
EIA acts as a preventative planning requirement rather than a physical soil management activity.

Key Concept

Classification of biological, mechanical, and policy-based environmental conservation methods.
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Topics

Methods and Techniques of Environmental Conservation

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