The practice of conducting all field operations such as ploughing, planting, and cultivating land across the slope is called:

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (A) Contour Farming

Explanation:
• Contour farming involves performing agricultural activities (plowing, sowing, etc.) following the natural contour lines of the land, which are perpendicular to the slope.
• This creates small ridges and furrows that act as miniature barriers to water flow.
• By slowing down the runoff, it reduces soil erosion and allows more time for water to infiltrate into the soil.
• It is one of the most basic and effective mechanical methods for soil conservation on hilly terrains.

Information Booster:
• Contour farming is most effective on slopes between 2% and 10%.
• It can reduce soil erosion by up to 50% compared to up-and-down hill farming.

Additional Knowledge:
• Strip Cropping (Option B): Growing different crops in alternate strips to break the flow of water or wind.
• Terrace Farming (Option C): Constructing wide steps (benches) on very steep slopes; it is a more intensive mechanical measure than contouring.
• Inter Cropping (Option D): Growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field to maximize productivity, not primarily for slope management.