Soil and water conservation measures consist of agronomical and mechanical methods. Agronomic methods are supported with mechanical measures where land slope exceeds permissible limits and runoff gains erosive velocities.
The following boxes explain the nature of agronomic measures which are essential in inter-bunded or terraced areas. These practices enhance the utility value of all kinds of mechanical structures.
All agricultural operations such as ridging, ploughing, harrowing, sowing, trenching, etc., are recommended to be done on the contour wherever possible or at least generally across the direction of the slope where holdings are very small. Even though the operation is very simple, it plays a major role in retarding the process of soil erosion through runoff. It also conserves soil, and due to increased time of concentration, more rainwater seeps through the soil profile to recharge ground water. Summer ploughing leaves the soil highly absorbent of initial rains.