What environmental practice is used primarily to control floods?

The practice primarily used to control floods is reforestation. Reforestation involves planting trees in areas where forests have been previously cut down or destroyed. The presence of trees and vegetation plays a crucial role in managing water runoff and improving soil retention. The roots of trees help to absorb and slow down rainfall, allowing more water to seep into the ground rather than running off into rivers and streams, which can lead to flooding. Moreover, the canopy of leaves intercepts rainfall, which further reduces the amount of water hitting the ground directly. This environmental practice not only helps prevent floods but also contributes to better water quality and enhances biodiversity.

In contrast, afforestation creates new forests in areas that were not previously forested, which can also help with flood control but is not as directly aimed at areas already affected by deforestation. Deforestation, the removal of trees, would worsen flood conditions, and cultivation typically refers to agricultural practices that may not address flood control effectively.