Sustainable Agriculture contour farming

Objectives Learn the definition of contour farming. Learn the function of contour farming. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of this farming practice. Learn what sustainable agriculture means and why contour farming is classified sustainable

Defining contour forming This is the forming practice of planting along the topographic contours of an area, so that furrows are as horizontal as possible.

Function of Contour Farming Contour farming protects the soil and vegetation from the elements of the weather which includes: heavy rain and strong winds. It allows farmers to farm on difficult farming areas such as: hills, hillsides or sloping lands.

Advantages of Contour farming Improve irrigation systems and conserve water. Keeps valuable topsoil in place on sloping lands (preventing soil erosion) . Slows down water to settle into the soil. Prevents the formation of rills and gullies. Reduce labor and make harvesting easier. Improves the appearance of farm land.

Disadvantages of Contour Farming Curved rows make it impractical for some farm machinery to be used. Not suitable for lands with heavy overland flows can be diverted to safety outlets. This practice is impractical on fields with irregular topographic features or very steep hills.

Sustainability Sustainable development is any development that meet the needs of he present population, without compromising the future generation to meet their own needs. Sustainable agriculture is the act of farming using principles of ecology; the study of relationships between organisms and their environment to improve cultivation. Contour farming is a sustainable agricultural method as it does not affect the environment negatively.

Sustainability (Cont’d) This method provides a significant help to the environment as it: Provides food locally to satisfy human food requirements. (social benefits) Enhances environmental quality and the natural resource. (conserve water and prevent soil erosion) It can be practiced on a large scale, providing market for the crop internationally which builds or promotes economic development.

Sustainable Development Chart Economic Social Environmental

ACTIVITY What is contour farming ? forming practice of planting along the topographic contours of an area, so that furrows are as horizontal as possible. In which area is contour farming mainly practiced? Sloping land or Hillside Why is contour farming considered a sustainable agricultural method?

Activity (Cont’d) It has a positive impact on all three levels of the sustainable development chart. Give two advantages of contour farming Prevents soil erosion and conserves water Tell one disadvantage of contour farming and explain its origin some machines cannot be use in the farm, because the machine may destroy the contour furrows.

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