What is terrace farming and how is it useful?
Terrace farming, also known as step farming, is an ancient technique of flattening sloping landscapes of hills and mountains into steps or terraces that reduce erosion and capture rainfall. This allows one to navigate and cultivate crops on land that would otherwise seem unfarmable.
What are the effects of terrace farming?
Terrace farming changes the landscape and reduces run off in most cases. Although it It can be extremely labor intensive, it sometimes leads to ground saturation and mudslides if it is not done correctly. When done correctly, it can have many positive benefits. It can reduce runoff which can mitigate flooding and point source pollution to prevent excess nutrients from entering waterways. This also helps with soil and water conservation.
How to get started in terrace farming?
Do your research and make sure you work with qualified people before attempting terrace farming. This technique has been around for thousands of years and was used by the Incas and throughout Asia, so there has been plenty of time to develop and find out what works.
How is Terrace Farming Useful?
Terrace farming is being used as another method of regenerative agriculture in order to create sustainable food systems that are less harmful to the environment and benefit more people.
VIDEO: TERRACE FARMING
INFOGRAPHIC: TERRACE FARMING
