What is an effective method for preventing soil erosion in forestry practices?

Implementing contour planting techniques is an effective method for preventing soil erosion in forestry practices because it involves planting along the natural contours of the land. This technique helps to slow down water runoff and allows water to infiltrate the soil more effectively, thereby reducing erosion. The contour lines act as barriers to water flow, which helps to retain soil and moisture in the area, promoting healthier ecosystems and preventing the loss of topsoil.

In contrast, regular burning of underbrush, while it can be used as a management tool, does not directly prevent erosion and can sometimes exacerbate the problem if not carefully controlled. Planting cover crops is beneficial for erosion control, but it may not be as directly applicable in forestry as contour planting. Limiting tree diversity typically undermines ecosystem resilience and can lead to problems such as increased susceptibility to pests and diseases, which can further compromise soil stability. Overall, contour planting is a proactive and effective method to mitigate soil erosion in forestry.