NCERT Class 8 Geography — Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

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Which one of the following soil conservation measures is most effective in preventing the formation of gullies?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AMulching
BShelter Belts
CIntercropping
DRock Dam

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

Rock Dam

Explanation

Gully erosion occurs when running water cuts deep channels through the soil, often rendering land unfit for cultivation (creating badland topography). Conservation measures to address this are typically mechanical or structural interventions designed to check the velocity of concentrated water flow.

Option Analysis:

Mulching: This involves covering the bare ground between plants with a layer of organic matter like straw. While it helps retain soil moisture and prevents rain splash (sheet) erosion, it is not a structural barrier capable of stopping the high-velocity water flow found in gullies.
Rock Dam Rock Dam: Correct. Rocks are piled up across drainage channels or gullies to slow down the flow of water. This reduces the kinetic energy of the runoff, prevents the gully from deepening or widening, and allows sediment to settle. It is a specific mechanical measure for gully plugging.
Intercropping: This is the practice of growing different crops in alternate rows. It protects the soil from rain wash and helps maintain fertility, but it is an agronomic measure intended for general field protection rather than a structural solution for established gullies.
Shelter Belts Shelter Belts: These are rows of trees planted to check wind movement. They are primarily effective against wind erosion in coastal and dry regions and do not address water-induced gully erosion.

Key Takeaway:
Rock dams are mechanical barriers specifically constructed across gullies to reduce water velocity and prevent further soil loss, whereas shelter belts target wind erosion and mulching targets moisture retention.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of population and land resources: 1. Ninety per cent of the world’s population occupies only thirty per cent of the land area. 2. Areas with steep slopes and rugged topography are generally densely populated. 3. Plains and river valleys are densely populated due to suitability for agriculture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following factors are considered "Physical Factors" determining land use? 1. Topography 2. Population 3. Soil 4. Technology 5. Minerals Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to 'Common Property Resources', consider the following statements: 1. Common Property Resources refer exclusively to land owned by private individuals. 2. Community lands are also known as Common Property Resources. 3. Encroachment on these lands is observed primarily to expand agricultural land in urban areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following are cited as major threats to the environment resulting from the expansion of agriculture and construction activities? 1. Land degradation 2. Landslides 3. Soil erosion 4. Desertification Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following methods for the conservation of land resources: 1. Deforestation 2. Land reclamation 3. Regulated use of chemical pesticides 4. Checks on overgrazing Which of the methods given above are to check land degradation?

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Correct Option

The correct option is

Rock Dam

Explanation

Option Analysis:

Mulching: This involves covering the bare ground between plants with a layer of organic matter like straw. While it helps retain soil moisture and prevents rain splash (sheet) erosion, it is not a structural barrier capable of stopping the high-velocity water flow found in gullies.
Rock Dam Rock Dam: Correct. Rocks are piled up across drainage channels or gullies to slow down the flow of water. This reduces the kinetic energy of the runoff, prevents the gully from deepening or widening, and allows sediment to settle. It is a specific mechanical measure for gully plugging.
Intercropping: This is the practice of growing different crops in alternate rows. It protects the soil from rain wash and helps maintain fertility, but it is an agronomic measure intended for general field protection rather than a structural solution for established gullies.
Shelter Belts Shelter Belts: These are rows of trees planted to check wind movement. They are primarily effective against wind erosion in coastal and dry regions and do not address water-induced gully erosion.