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.
Why terrace farming is popular in hills?
Terrace farming is carried out on the slopes of the mountains. Terraces are built on the slopes of the mountains to create flat lands to grow crops. Terrace farming is useful as it slows down the speed of water running down the mountains . This conserves fertile top soil.
Is terrace farming done in hilly areas?
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 do farmers practice terrace farming in the mountainous region?
Terrace Farming is a common agriculture practice followed in mountain regions by creating terraces. ... Terracing helps in the reduction of water flow, soil erosion, and increases water holding capacity .
What are the benefits of terrace farming?
What are the benefits of a terrace system? 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 tribe is known for using terrace farming?
Principally living in oases, gorges and valleys of Alto Loa, in the region of Antofagasta, these peoples learned about terrace farming from the Inca , who taught them how to make the best use of scant water resources to grow food on the limited fertile land at such high altitudes.
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.
Is terrace farming still used today?
Today, modern farmers are returning to the terrace farming practices used thousands of years ago as a more practical and productive way to raise the most food with the least water. Tea farmers also take advantage of terrace farming.
What is the purpose of using terraces?
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.
What is the difference between Jhoom and terrace farming?
In jhoom farming a land is left as it is after growing crops on it for some period of time (such as five years) to regain its lost fertility . Some cultivators do not just leave the land as it is, they cut and then burn the trees and plants to make the soil regain its fertility.
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.
What are the three main types of terracing?
There are three types of terraces: bench terraced farmlands, sloping terraced farmlands and combination level terraced farmlands .
Is terrace farming good or bad?
Terracing is one of the oldest means of saving soil and water. ... Existing literature and information shows that terraces can considerably reduce soil loss due to water erosion if they are well planned, correctly constructed and properly maintained. If not maintained, they can provoke land degradation.
Is terrace farming expensive?
Terraces are one way to control soil erosion. Crop rotation and tillage practices also control erosion. ... Costs may range from $100 to $250 per acre , depending on the type of terrace system.
Why are terraces bad?
But terraces are also at risk of collapse , and the higher the terraces wall, the greater the risk of collapse. Table 1. ... In many regions, the abandonment of terraces due to socioeconomic development, has increased water and soil erosion as well as the risk of slope collapse.
How does terrace farming work?
Terrace farming is a technique of farming whereby “steps” known as terraces are built onto the slopes of hills and mountains . Whenever it rains, instead of rain carrying away the soil nutrients and plants down the slope, they flow to the next terrace. Every step has an outlet that channels the water to the next step.
