Effects of soil and water conservation measures on the environment: A review

Abstract

The preservation and sustainable development of soil and water resources is one of the basic principles for the development of the environment. Soil degradation was a significant global issues during the 20th century and remains of high importance in the 21 st century as it affect the environment, agronomic production, food security, and quality of life. This review provides an extensive review information on soil conservation strategies or methods and their applications. Based on this, the most promising soil conservation technologies are identified to improve the management and conservation of soil resources. This review also aims to provide general characteristics of soil and water loss, explore the relationship between soil and water conservation and sustainable development, and to provide relevant methods for soil and water conservation. The result of this review shows that measures focused on soil and water conservation by ridging, constructing earth bunds and terraces, mulching, multiple cropping, fallowing, and tree planting. Mulching, crop management, and conservation tillage are appropriate technologies for conserving sandy soils of high erosivity and low water holding capacity. Leguminous cover crops and residue management reduce the impact of rain. These measures also reported to enhance the levels of soil organic matter and nutrients, especially nitrogen, which is generally limited in tropical soils. Intercropping of compatible species is recorded as a promising cropping system, as cultures with different rooting patterns and growth cycles can promote nutrient recycling and suppress weeds.