What practices help mitigate soil erosion?

• A. Cover crops
• B. Terracing
• C. Reduced tillage
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Erosion happens when rain and wind remove the topsoil, so the best protection comes from shielding the soil surface, slowing water flow, and increasing infiltration. Cover crops keep the ground protected year round; their roots help bind soil and their above-ground residues cushion the surface, reducing raindrop impact and the amount of runoff. Terracing on slopes turns a steep gradient into a series of flat steps, greatly decreasing downhill water velocity and giving more time for water to infiltrate, which cuts soil loss on hillsides. Reduced tillage minimizes soil disturbance, leaving crop residues on the surface to mulch the soil, preserving soil structure and improving infiltration while reducing erosion potential. Because these practices address different erosion pathways, using them together provides the strongest protection, making all of the above effective in mitigating soil erosion.