Terrace Farming and its Importance / Heal Earth
Terrace farming is a method of cultivating crops on the sides of mountains or hills by planting on graduated terraces cut into the slope.
It also known as step farming, which is a type of farming that uses a series of “steps” or terraces that have been produced in different parts of the world.
Despite its labor-intensive nature, the approach has proven to be beneficial in increasing arable land area and reducing soil erosion and water loss in a variety of terrains.
Because water flows do not wash away the topsoil and nutrients, terracing helps to keep soil cover and fertility.
The idea was also independently developed by the Inca people. The Incas built their aqueduct system so well that it is still used today.
Advantages of Terrace farming
Sedimentation and water pollution are reduced. Water remains in place for long enough for heavy particles to settle, preventing downstream sedimentation and contamination of water bodies, but not long enough to harm crops.
Increases sloped field farmability and productivity.
Contributes to water conservation by reducing and slowing runoff, as well as improving rainwater gathering.
Reduces rill forms, which prevents soil erosion.
Soil conservation is aided.
Adjusts hilly land for cultivation to increase food output.
Increases the diversity of the ecosystem.
Farming on a terrace is an effective way to conserve soil. It does, however, necessitate routine inspection and maintenance. As a result, checking the ridges and grass cover, and improving where necessary, is critical in effective terrace farming. Another problem with terracing is channel sedimentation, which can be remedied by cleaning and planting buffer strips. In addition, the outlets and pipelines should be free of vegetation residue and particles that could clog them.
The Philippine Cordilleras (hills and mountains) Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a two-thousand-year history.
This farming practice makes use of “steps” carved into the side of a mountain or hill. Various crops are sown on each level. When it rains, the nutrients in the soil are transported down to the next level rather of being washed away. These actions keep the soil and plants from being washed away by water. They were also able to construct aqueducts to transport water to each level using this technology.
Long-term use of terraced farmlands is enabled by the prevention or decrease of soil erosion, as well as soil conservation by terracing. It demonstrates the importance of terracing in long-term agriculture.
The terrace is often a low, flat ridge of earth erected over the slope with a canal for runoff water directly above the ridge in most systems. Terraces are typically designed on a small incline so that water collected in the channel flows slowly toward the terrace exit. Level terraces can be employed in regions where the soils are able to absorb water quickly and rainfall is modest.
Velocity of Runoff
One of the main benefits of terrace farming is that it can preserve the soil of the terraced area from excessive erosion. Erosion occurs when rushing water removes soil from the area it passes through. Terracing slows the flow of water by lowering the length of the slope that water must pass over (i.e. by constructing a level terrace on an otherwise inclined face). This prevents the area’s soil from being washed away in a flood.
Rainwater Harvesting
Level terraces, such as those found in portions of Bali and China, can prevent soil erosion while simultaneously trapping and retaining rainwater. This makes it possible to grow water-intensive crops like rice in these places. Terracing produces flat regions for crops as well as canals that allow water to move between them. If the soil is sufficiently permeable, the water gathered in the terraces can be absorbed into the soil and used to sustain crops.
Saturation of Rainwater
Rainwater saturation of the ground is a key disadvantage of terracing. This occurs when terracing holds an excessive amount of water, which is then absorbed by the ground. Ground saturation is a hazard since it can lead to water overflow during periods of heavy rain. This can result in more harmful runoff than in uncontrolled regions. Terraces can also cause more soil erosion, especially downslope from the terracing, than non-terraced regions if they are not adequately managed.
