Soil conservation is the act of preserving and managing the soil to avoid soil degradation, erosion, and nutrient loss; and for the long-term fertility for growth of crops. Soil is the basis of plant life, supports biodiversity, and maintains ecological balance. With respect to tree plantations, it plays a role in tree growth, carbon sequestration, and the preservation of water.
To emphasize the importance of tree plantations to soil conservation is to recognize the fact that trees prevent soil erosion and make the land secure through their roots. Trees also add organic matter that boosts soil, effectively creating ideal conditions for thriving microbial life, allowing nutrient availability. Recognizing the need for tree plantation means recognizing the role of trees in natural protection against desertification and land degradation.
Tree plantations can, thus, protect the environment and contribute to building healthy soils. It, therefore, caters to better agricultural productivity, forest conservation, and climate change mitigation to sustain all mankind. Its purpose also disseminates the restoration of green cover, enhancing soil fertility, conserving water, and maintaining an ecosystem balance.
By putting into focus soil-conservation practices such as mulching, cover cropping, contour farming, and afforestation, we go a long way in ensuring that tree plantations are viable for generations to come in the conservation of our planet's most precious resource-soil.