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Difficulty: HardMethods and Techniques of Environmental Conservation

Farmers along the steep slopes of the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State, Nigeria, are experiencing severe surface runoff, soil nutrient loss, and sheet erosion due to intense agricultural activity on high-gradient terrain. To sustainably reduce soil erosion velocity while simultaneously restoring soil fertility, which combination of conservation methods is most appropriate?

  1. Terracing combined with legume cover croppingAnswer
  2. B
    Shelterbelt planting combined with inorganic fertilizer application
  3. C
    Continuous bush burning followed by strip cropping
  4. D
    Monoculture cultivation paired with deep contour plowing

Answer

Terracing combined with legume cover cropping
Terracing is a mechanical conservation technique specifically designed for steep hillsides to convert long continuous slopes into a series of flatter steps, breaking the velocity of surface runoff. Combining this with cover cropping using leguminous plants provides biological protection against rain splash erosion while restoring nitrogen content to depleted soils.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the environmental problem described in the scenario
Identified steep topography (Mambilla Plateau), high surface runoff, sheet erosion, and soil nutrient depletion as the core challenges.
Choosing an effective conservation technique requires matching mechanical land control with biological soil replenishment.
2
Evaluate mechanical slope control techniques
Terracing creates step-like flat platforms along steep hillsides, significantly reducing surface runoff velocity and preventing sheet erosion.
Steep highland terrains require structural alterations to break the continuous downward force of water.
3
Evaluate biological nutrient restoration techniques
Leguminous cover crops shield topsoil from rain impact and naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen through root nodule bacteria.
Combining mechanical measures with biological cover crops ensures dual protection against physical erosion and chemical degradation.

Key Concept

Integrated Mechanical and Biological Soil Conservation Methods
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Methods and Techniques of Environmental Conservation

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