What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in the hilly areas?

Soil erosion is a potential threat to the areas that are lying on the steep slopes and also near the hills, where there is a good amount of crop cultivation. It not only leaves the land baren but also washes off the top layer of the soil, destroying the crops and introducing pollutants. It is essential to take measures to prevent soil erosion. Especially in such areas. 

There are many methods to prevent soil erosion:

• Planting shrubs and small plants can be beneficial. This is because small plants and shrubs hold on to the soil by spreading their roots widely. The leaves of the plants also reduce the intensity at which the rainwater will fall on the loss. It will not loosen the soil and hence can be used for the prevention.
• Terrace farming is a good option for areas like Arunachal Pradesh, where the lands are too steep to grow any kinds of plants. Terrace farming reduces the possibility of soil erosions while keeping the crops safe.
•  Crop rotation can be practised by rotating the crops cultivated. The layer of residue will protect the topsoil and prevent it from getting eroded.
• Diversion structures can be built, which guides the water in a particular path. This will also help in preventing the water from running through higher risk areas,

The following steps are taken to control the soil erosion in hilly areas :
(i) Contour ploughing : which refers to ploughing along contour lines.
(ii) Terrace farming : construction of steps along the hilly areas by cutting the rock layers to reduce the flow of rivers.
(iii) Plugging of gullies to prevent gully erosion.