Contour strip cropping primarily involves:

• A. Uses strips that follow the contour of the land and are common in areas that have uneven topography
• B. Planting crops in straight rows across a slope to maximize sunlight
• C. Growing crops on terraces with irrigation
• D. Planting in circular patterns around a hill

Answer: (A)

Contour strip cropping is a soil conservation method that places strips of crops along the natural contour lines of a sloped field. By following the contour, water flow is slowed and more infiltration occurs, which helps trap soil and reduce erosion on uneven terrain. This practice often alternates with grasses or cover crops to further stabilize the soil and conserve moisture while still allowing crop production.

Other options describe different practices: planting straight rows across a slope tends to channel water downhill, increasing erosion; terrace farming creates flat steps to manage water on hillsides, which is a different technique; circular planting around a hill isn’t a standard contour-based method for controlling runoff.