Terraces are flat or gently sloped platforms cut into hills or mountainsides to enable farming, effectively transforming steep slopes into a series of steps. They serve as a soil and water conservation measure by reducing erosion, controlling surface runoff, and retaining moisture for crops. Terraces are commonly used in agriculture, especially in hilly or mountainous regions, to increase arable land area and support crops like rice, wheat, and barley by managing water flow and minimizing soil loss.
There are different types of terraces depending on their structure and purpose, including diversion terraces, retention terraces, and bench terraces. Diversion terraces are designed to redirect water flow, retention terraces store surface water, and bench terraces create level platforms for cultivating steep slopes. These terraces help prevent erosion and improve water absorption, making farming possible on otherwise difficult terrain.
In a broader sense, the term terrace can also refer to an external flat surface adjoining a building, such as a paved or planted area used for leisure, but in agriculture, terraces specifically refer to stepped earthworks for cultivation.
Thus, terraces are critical for sustainable farming in uneven terrains by conserving soil and water resources and enhancing crop production.
