1. Soil Conservation Techniques:
- Contour Farming: Planting crops along the natural contours of the land to reduce erosion and retain moisture.
- Strip Farming: Alternating strips of crops with strips of cover crops or fallow land to prevent erosion and improve soil fertility.
- Terracing: Building ridges or mounds of earth to slow down water runoff and prevent erosion on slopes.
2. Dry Farming Techniques:
- In regions with limited rainfall, these techniques were used to improve water management:
- Fallowing: Leaving fields unplanted for a season to conserve moisture in the soil.
- Mulching: Covering the soil with plant residue or other organic matter to reduce evaporation and retain moisture.
3. Crop Rotation:
- Regularly rotating different types of crops in a field to maintain soil fertility, control pests, and manage weeds.
4. Hybrid Seeds:
- Development and widespread adoption of hybrid seeds, which resulted in improved crop yields and resistance to pests and diseases.
5. Mechanization:
- Increased use of tractors and other mechanized farm machinery, leading to greater efficiency and reduced labor requirements.
6. Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides:
- The development and use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides helped to boost crop yields, but also raised environmental concerns.
7. Government Programs:
- The introduction of government programs like the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) and the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) provided financial assistance to farmers and promoted soil conservation practices.
These new farming methods aimed to enhance productivity, protect soil health, prevent erosion, and ultimately contribute to the recovery of agriculture during the challenging economic conditions of the Great Depression. While these advancements brought positive changes, they also presented new challenges related to environmental sustainability, chemical dependency, and the loss of traditional farming knowledge.