Which of the following methods is/are suitable for soil conservation in hilly region? 1. Terracing and contour bunding 2. Shifting cultivation 3. Contour ploughing Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Soil conservation in hilly regions focuses on reducing the velocity of surface runoff to prevent topsoil loss. Terracing involves cutting steps into slopes to restrict erosion, a practice well-developed in the Himalayas [4]. Contour bunding and contour ploughing are mechanical and agronomic measures where farming activities are conducted across the slope rather than up-and-down [2]. This creates horizontal barriers that act as 'speed bumps' for rainfall, facilitating water infiltration and decelerating flow [4]. In contrast, shifting cultivation (jhum) is a major cause of soil degradation in hilly areas. It involves clearing and burning forest patches, which exposes the soil to heavy erosion and deteriorates its hydrological properties. Therefore, while terracing, contour bunding, and contour ploughing are effective conservation methods, shifting cultivation is a destructive practice that accelerates soil loss.

Sources

1. [3] NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe > Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation > p. 12
2. [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 3. Soil Erosion > p. 70
3. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 3. Contour Ploughing and Strip Cultivation > p. 23
4. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > ii) contour Ploughing > p. 19