Where does terraced farming occur?

The terrace farming method has made cultivation of crops in mountainous or hilly regions possible. It is usually used anywhere there is a hill or a mountain, particularly in Asia by rice-growing countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, where terrace farming is the chosen method.

Why is terrace farming done on the slopes of hills?

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?

Step farming or terrace farming is common in hills to check soil erosion through water current on the slopes. It provides a physical barrier to soil erosion by water. The mountain is made into steps that slows down the speed of rainwater preventing damage to crops.

Are terrace farming and step farming the same?

Terrace farming (also called step farming) is a method of farming that consists of different “steps” or terraces that were developed in various places around the world. The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (hills and mountains) is a World Heritage Site.

What is the process of terrace farming?

Terrace cultivation, method of growing crops on sides of hills or mountains by planting on graduated terraces built into the slope. Though labour-intensive, the method has been employed effectively to maximize arable land area in variable terrains and to reduce soil erosion and water loss.

What is step farming or terrace farming?

Why is it important to use terraces in farming?

The use of terraces help to prevent erosion and soil runoff, something that would be an immediate result of trying to till a hillside into farmland without using terraced steps. By using terraces, a hillside can remain productive for as long as the soil is properly cared for and the terraces maintained.

Where does terrace farming take place in the world?

Definition Of Terrace Farming. Terrace farming is a type of farming that was invented by the Inca people who lived in the South American mountains. This farming method has made cultivation of crops in hilly or mountainous regions possible. It is commonly used in Asia by rice-growing countries such as Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia.

What kind of crops can you grow on a terrace?

Apart from rice cultivation, terraces are also used to grow rice, potatoes, and maize. Terrace farming is also commonly used in islands such as the Canary Islands, because they have hilly terrains. How Does Terrace Farming Work? A farmer farming on a rice terrace. Image credit: Thirawatana Phaisalratana/Shutterstock.com

Why do you need to Terrace a hill?

The hillside was prone to land-sliding and erosion. Any topsoil and nutrients that may have been there at one time had since washed away. We were looking for a garden terrace solution that not only helped stabilize the hillside, but also helped increase fertility (to make up for all that had washed away).

Do you need to Terrace a hillside to grow plants?

If the pitch is more than 30 degrees, it might be a good idea to terrace the area to prevent topsoil from eroding and all moisture evacuating every time you water or it rains. Once you have solved any moisture retention and erosion problems, it is time to evaluate the site further for exposure and zone, and plan what plants grow on slopes.

How is terrace farming different from other farming methods?

Terrace farming is a method of farming whereby “steps” known as terraces are built onto the slopes of hills and mountains. When it rains, instead of rain carrying away the soil nutrients and plants down the slope, they flow to the next terrace. Terrace farming prevents the washing away of soil nutrients by the rains.