Which of the following farming methods helps reduce soil erosion?

Subsistence agriculture focuses on growing enough food to meet the needs of the farmer's family, often resulting in over-farming of small plots of land. This practice can lead to soil degradation and increased erosion due to continuous cropping without sufficient soil management practices to protect the soil structure.

Deforestation involves the clearing of trees and vegetation, which significantly increases soil erosion. Without tree roots to hold the soil in place, rainfall can wash away the topsoil, leading to loss of fertile land and contributing to environmental degradation. Thus, deforestation exacerbates rather than reduces soil erosion.

Mechanized plowing can disrupt the soil structure and lead to compaction, which may increase erosion rather than prevent it. While it can be efficient for planting, it often leaves soil bare and vulnerable to erosion from wind and water, particularly if not managed with other conservation practices.