Q. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in (UPSC Prelims 2013)
Answer:
None of the above
Notes: The correct answer is
[D] None of the above. Contour bunding is a traditional and highly effective method of soil conservation specifically designed for
hilly or sloping terrain, rather than desert margins, flat plains, or scrublands.
- Mechanism of Contour Bunding: It involves the construction of narrow-based embankments (bunds) along the contours of the land (lines of equal elevation). By creating these physical barriers across the slope, the velocity of surface runoff is significantly reduced. This allows more time for water to infiltrate into the soil, thereby preventing sheet and gully erosion.
- Desert Margins (Statement A): Soil conservation in desert margins usually focuses on wind erosion. Methods like shelterbelts (rows of trees) or mulching are used to stabilize sand dunes and break wind speed, rather than contour bunding.
- Low Flat Plains (Statement B): In flat plains liable to flooding, the primary concern is drainage and flood control. Methods such as check dams, embankments, or channel improvement are more common. Contour bunding is unnecessary here because there is no significant slope to cause high-velocity water runoff.
- Scrublands (Statement C): Weed growth is typically managed through biological or mechanical means (like controlled grazing or tilling). Contour bunding does not address the biological spread of weeds.