Practical methods to prevent soil erosion

Abstract

Agriculture production can be sustained on a long-term basis if the soil, water and forest on which it is based are not degraded. In recent years, growing population has increased cultivation and moved onto marginal lands prone to erosion. Erosion makes it more difficult for roothold, nutrient uptake, and makes soil less able to retain water which results in decline of productivity. To use land to our advantage, we must begin to identifying simple, less expensive and practical methods of preventing soil erosion. Soil retention fences have been very effective traditional methods in some parts of Papua New Guinea, and with modification with use of contour planting, cover crop, deep ripping the prevention method be more effective. However the method used in one area may not apply significantly or achieve meaningful results and may have to be remedied to suit the local needs that are based on availability of materials and most important prevailing features.