How does strip cropping reduce erosion on slopes?

Strip cropping is an agricultural practice that reduces soil erosion on slopes by alternating strips of cultivated row crops with strips of sod-forming crops, such as hay or grasses.1

This method is most effective when the strips are arranged to follow the approximate contour of the land. By placing sod-forming crops in alternating bands, the vegetation acts as a physical barrier that slows the flow of water down the slope, thereby minimizing the loss of topsoil. While row crops—including many vegetables—often require frequent cultivation and leave minimal residue, making them highly susceptible to erosion, the presence of adjacent sod strips helps stabilize the soil and increase water infiltration.12

When used in conjunction with contour farming, strip cropping further enhances the ability of the land to retain rainwater and prevent the runoff that typically washes away soil in straight-line planting systems.3