contour-ploughing
Definition
Noun (uncountable):
- Agricultural practice: "contour-ploughing" refers to the method of ploughing along the natural curves or contour lines of a slope, rather than up and down the hill, to reduce soil erosion and retain water.
Usage Examples
- (This method follows the land’s shape to minimise erosion.)
- (It helps water soak into the soil rather than run off.)
Advanced Usage
"to practice contour-ploughing": to implement this farming method.
- The agricultural extension officer taught the community how to practice contour-ploughing. (They learned the specific technique of ploughing along slopes.)
"contour-ploughing system": a structured approach to farming that includes this method.
- The contour-ploughing system was combined with terracing for maximum soil conservation. (The ploughing was integrated with other land management practices.)
Variants and Related Words
Contour (noun): an outline or shape, especially of a land surface.
- The contour of the hill determines where to plough. (The shape of the slope guides the ploughing lines.)
Plough (verb/noun): to turn over soil with a tool; the tool itself.
- They plough the field in spring. (They prepare the soil for planting.)
Synonyms
- Contour farming: a broader term that includes ploughing, planting, and other practices along contour lines.
- Strip cropping: a related method where crops are planted in strips along contours.
Related Idioms (None specific to "contour-ploughing")
- No common idioms exist for this technical term, as it is a specialised agricultural concept.