Mechanical Measures for Erosion Control Identified

Erosion control involves managing soil loss caused by wind or water. Measures are often categorized as mechanical (physical interventions) or vegetative/biological (using plants and organic matter).

Analyzing Erosion Control Measures

The question asks for a mechanical measure of erosion control. Let's examine the options:

• Sub-soiling: This is a tillage process where a specialized plow (sub-soiler) breaks up compacted soil layers deep below the surface without bringing the lower soil to the top. This improves water infiltration and root penetration. It is a direct physical alteration of the soil structure.
• Mixed cropping: This involves growing two or more crops together in the same field. It's primarily a biological and agronomic practice aimed at diversifying yield and managing pests, not a direct mechanical intervention for erosion control.
• Strip cropping: This practice involves planting different types of crops in alternating strips. While the layout involves planning, the primary erosion control comes from the different crop types and their arrangement slowing water runoff and trapping sediment. It's considered a conservation cropping system rather than a purely mechanical measure like altering soil structure.
• Mulching: This involves covering the soil surface with organic material (like straw or wood chips) or inorganic materials. It protects the soil from raindrop impact and reduces runoff velocity. This is a cultural or biological practice, not a mechanical one.

Conclusion on Mechanical Measure

Comparing the options, Sub-soiling directly addresses soil structure physically to manage water movement and thus control erosion. The other options are primarily cropping systems or surface management techniques.

Therefore, Sub-soiling is the correct mechanical measure of erosion control among the choices.