6 ways to conserve soil

Crop rotation

Different crops in the same field Pros Nutrients have a chance to build up Puts nutrients back into the soil Makes soil last longer Cons Farmer needs to be organized Expensive

Strip farming

Perpendicular to the prevailing wind Pros Soil lasts longer(different plants require different nutrients) Crops act as a windbreak(roots hold soil so it doesnt blow away) Cons Difficult to harvest, cant mix crops from different strips

Irrigation

Spraying water on plants Pros Allows more food to be grown in a dry area You put water in the plants, better it will grow Cons Sprayer costs alot-expensive Takes away fresh water

Shelter belts

Strips of trees planted along the edge of a field, face the prevailing wind Pros -protects soil -traps rain and snow -more water for land -tree's roots hold soil in place -inexpensive Cons -less land for crops -more gas is used -harder to reach crops

Zero tillage

Stubble is left, no machinery Pros Farmer saves money on gas/fertilizers -old stubble prodects new seeds -less soil erosion because of wind/water trapped by stubble Cons -stubble might prevent seeds from settling in the soil Increased reliance on herbicides Tillage may not be an option due to weed control

Specialized Farm Equipment

Technology with efficiency and soil health kept in mind Pros Duck foot cultivator doesn't disturb soil too much Soil doesnt get too complicated Saves time More accurate planting of seeds Saves soil More efficient/effective agriculture Cons Very expensive