Which farming method helps reduce soil erosion?

Subsistence agriculture focuses on growing enough food to meet the needs of the farmer's family, often leading to over-cultivation of the same land. This method can contribute to soil erosion as it may not incorporate practices that protect soil structure or promote diversity, making the soil more susceptible to degradation.

Deforestation involves clearing forests to make way for agricultural land or other uses, which significantly increases soil erosion. The removal of trees and vegetation leads to the loss of root structures that stabilize the soil, making it more prone to erosion by wind and water.

Mechanized plowing uses machinery to till the soil, which can lead to soil compaction and erosion if not managed properly. While it may increase efficiency in farming, this method alone does not contribute to soil conservation and can actually exacerbate erosion if practices like cover cropping or crop rotation are not employed.