With reference to soil conservation, consider the following practices: 1. Crop rotation 2. Sand fences 3. Terracing 4. Wind breaks Which of the above are considered appropriate methods for soil conservation in India?

The correct answer is D because all four practices are recognized methods for preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil health across different geographical regions of India. 1. Crop rotation involves growing different crops in succession on the same land to improve soil structure and nutrient levels while preventing pests. 2. Sand fences are used primarily in arid and coastal regions to trap blowing sand, stabilize dunes, and prevent the encroachment of sand onto fertile agricultural land. 3. Terracing is a common practice in hilly and mountainous regions like the Himalayas, where slopes are cut into steps to slow down water runoff and prevent soil wash-off. 4. Wind breaks or shelterbelts consist of planting rows of trees or shrubs to reduce wind speed, which protects the topsoil from wind erosion, especially in the dry plains of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Since all these methods effectively address specific types of soil degradation found in India, option D is the most appropriate choice.