Where is terracing used

Terrace farming is able to turn the moist idle land into productive farms leading to high food security in the world. It also helps in retaining the soil nutrients in the farms. Terrace farming can lead to rainwater saturation.

This is dangerous since it causes the overflow of water during the rainy season. The consequence of overflowing water is that it causes more dangerous water runoffs. Terraces may also result in mudslides if not well managed.

Hence it is expensive as it is labor intensive. Terrace farming also leads to the reduction in soil quality due to the leaching process. Terraced Rice Field in Chiangmai, Thailand. Terrace farming is commonly used in Asia by rice-growing countries such as Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia. Sharon Omondi September 17 in Environment. Puma, Cougar, Or Mountain Lion? Technology group:. Increasing crop resilience and productivity. Disaster risk reduction. Improved cultivation techniques.

Soil moisture conservation techniques. Description The ancient Andean technique of terracing consists of making cuts in steep slopes to form contour ridges and establish cultivation surfaces that are supported by stone walls. Threats and Impacts Attended Transforming the landscape of hillsides prone to erosion into cultivation terraces increases agricultural productivity and food security. Implementation Steps Study the characteristics of the site, such as soil type, relief, precipitation, runoff, sun exposure and the availability of materials with which to construct the terraces.

Plot the contour ridges and calculate the slope of the drains. Dig trenches 50 cm deep following the contour ridges. Construct the retaining wall above the trenches, using the largest stones first. The wall will not normally exceed 2 m in height and, if needed, may be reinforced with cementing agents. Fill the terrace with the excavated material and add a surface layer of fertile soil.

For the reconstruction of ancestral structures, the assistance of technical specialists is recommended. Limiting Factors The main difficulty in building these structures is the amount of labour required. Lessons Learned Community support schemes in terrace-recovery and restoration projects have been successful when low-interest loans are granted for agricultural inputs in exchange for labour to reconstruct specific areas of the terraces. Additional Considerations Terraces can be used as an element of risk management, benefiting entire communities.

Units to Monitor Project Progress Area of terraces constructed or restored m2. References Altieri, M. Ogburn, Charles B. Last reviewed: January A method of shaping land to control erosion on slopes of rolling land used for cropping and other purposes.

In early practice the land was shaped into a series of nearly level benches or steplike formations. Modern practice in terracing, however, consists of the construction of low-graded channels or levees to carry the excess rainfall from the land at nonerosive velocities.

The physical principle involved is that, when water is spread in a shallow stream, its flow is retarded by the roughness of the bottom of the channel and its carrying, or erosive, power is reduced.