Terraced fields decrease both erosion and surface runoff , and may be used to support growing crops that require irrigation, such as rice. The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the significance of this technique.
What are terraced rice fields?
Rice terraces are paddies fields made on sloping land that follow the natural contour lines . Suited to the Japanese geography, they are ideal for sustainable agriculture, having the ability to filter water and nurture organisms, among other benefits. Today rice terraces are also growing into a focus of green tourism.
How did terrace farming benefit the ancient Chinese?
For hundreds of years, the terraces built along the mountains have not only improved the local farming conditions but also increased the output of grains. ... To solve the problem of food, the ancient immigrants built terraced fields for water conservation which made it possible to grow rice in hilly areas.
What are terraces used for in agriculture?
Terraces are earthen structures that intercept runoff on moderate to steep slopes . They transform long slopes into a series of shorter slopes. Terraces reduce the rate of runoff and allow soil particles to settle out. The resulting cleaner water is then carried off the field in a non-erosive manner.
Why is rice grown on terraces?
Graduated terrace steps are commonly used to farm on hilly or mountainous terrain. Terraced fields both decrease erosion andsurface runoff, and may be used to support growing crops that require irrigation , such as rice.
Is rice terrace farming sustainable?
In order to combat erosion, the Ifugao built tiered fields, or terraces. It’s like stadium seating fused with contour farming. As a result, they modeled one of the first sustainable farming practices. ... We build terraces like this in the United States with at-risk landscapes.
What is the oldest rice terraces in the world?
Few places in the world remain so genuine and untouched like the North of the Philippines which is home to the oldest rice fields in the world in Banaue. Named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995.
How do terraced rice fields work?
Terraces slow the flow of water – the driver of erosion – allowing it to trickle from platform to platform, limiting topsoil loss. It also serves as flood control, giving water a chance to infiltrate rather than runoff. This water sticks around as an underground reservoir for current and future crops.
What crops are grown in terrace farming?
Some typical crops grown in terraces include barley, wheat, potatoes, corn, tea, olive, grape vines, coffee, and rice . A terrace is typically about 2-3 meters wide and 50-80 meters long. Some terraces flood with rain water, such as those used to farm rice.
Why is terrace farming done in hilly areas 10?
Graduated terrace steps are commonly used to farm on hilly or mountainous terrain. Terraced fields decrease both erosion and surface runoff , and may be used to support growing crops that require irrigation, such as rice.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of terrace farming?
The primary advantage of terraces is improved soil erosion control . Secondary advantages of terraces include elimination of grass waterways that can be difficult to maintain and reductions in flooding. Disadvantages include the capital cost of building terraces, and the time required to maintain terraces.
What are the benefits of step farming?
The major benefit, of course, is the conservation of soil and water . Terraces reduce both the amount and velocity of water moving across the soil surface, which greatly reduces soil erosion. Terracing thus permits more intensive cropping than would otherwise be possible.
Which type of farming is done on the hillside?
Terrace farming or step farming is commonly done on the slopes of the hills. It is defined as the farming in which the slopes of the hills or mountains are cut in the form of steps so that the farmer gets enough space for cultivating various kinds of crops.
Why is terrace farming sustainable?
Regarding the cost–benefit relationship, terraces may be effective in soil and water conservation , but expensive to construct and maintain. According to Sundquist (2005), bench terraces do not increase crop yields but reduce cropping area by up to 32%.
How deep is a rice paddy?
Early application of just a few crop protection materials ensures pure rice at harvest. The rice grows rapidly, ultimately reaching a height of 3 feet. During this time, farmers are careful to maintain a consistent water depth of the same 5 inches .
