Identify two indicators to monitor erosion risk before and after implementing soil conservation practices.

• A. Soil color and texture
• B. Sediment yield in runoff; changes in ground cover/soil depth near vulnerable areas
• C. pH and salinity
• D. Earthworm count

Answer: (B)

Erosion risk is best tracked with indicators that directly reflect soil loss and protection of the surface. Sediment yield in runoff is a direct measure of how much soil is being detached and carried away during rainfall events, so it shows the actual erosion happening and how effective practices are at reducing it. When you implement soil conservation measures, a reduction in sediment yield signals that the soil is better protected and erosion risk is lowered.

Pair that with changes in ground cover and soil depth near vulnerable areas. Ground cover indicates how much of the soil surface is protected from raindrop impact and the force of runoff; stable or increasing ground cover and minimal soil-depth loss mean the erosion risk is being held steady or reduced. Conversely, declines in cover or measurable soil-depth loss point to higher vulnerability and potential erosion.

The other options don’t measure erosion dynamics directly. Soil color and texture are static properties tied to mineral makeup and horizon development, not current erosion processes. pH and salinity describe chemical conditions rather than soil loss. Earthworm counts reflect biology but don’t quantify erosion risk in a timely, actionable way.

So, the two useful indicators are sediment yield in runoff and changes in ground cover or soil depth near vulnerable areas.