Terracing is an agricultural practice that involves creating flat, stepped areas on sloped land to reduce soil erosion and manage water flow. These terraces resemble a series of steps carved into a hillside, allowing farmers to cultivate on terrain that would otherwise be too steep for effective farming. By slowing down the flow of water and providing level planting surfaces, terracing helps retain soil fertility, conserve moisture, and improve crop yields—especially in hilly or mountainous regions.
Terracing is a crucial soil conservation technique, particularly in areas vulnerable to runoff and landslides. The construction and design of terraces depend on several factors, including the slope of the land, soil type, rainfall patterns, and crop requirements.
Types of Terraces
Level Terraces
Level terraces are constructed to be completely flat or nearly flat, with little to no slope along the terrace bed. They are designed to hold water on the surface, allowing it to infiltrate the soil rather than run off. This type is particularly effective in dry regions where water conservation is critical. Level terraces are ideal for crops that need consistent soil moisture, such as rice in paddy fields.
Graded Terraces
Graded terraces are built with a slight slope along the length of the terrace to allow for controlled drainage. Instead of letting water pool, these terraces guide excess water toward a safe outlet, preventing waterlogging and erosion. They are used in areas with higher rainfall and on moderately steep slopes. Graded terraces balance water conservation with drainage management, making them versatile for many types of crops.
Bench Terraces
Bench terraces are wide, flat steps cut into steep hillsides, supported by vertical or gently sloped embankments. They are commonly found in mountainous regions and are built to transform steep land into productive farming plots. Bench terraces can be either level or slightly sloped and are effective in minimizing erosion, reducing runoff, and maximizing land use on otherwise unworkable terrain.
Contour Terraces
Contour terraces are constructed along the natural contours of the land, following its horizontal curves. By aligning with the land’s natural shape, these terraces slow down water flow and reduce the velocity of runoff, which helps in trapping soil and moisture. Contour terracing is especially effective on gentle to moderate slopes and is widely practiced in both dry and wet climates.
Riser Terraces
Riser terraces are a variation of bench terraces, where the vertical face (riser) of the terrace is left steep and sometimes reinforced with stones, vegetation, or other materials. The flat part of the terrace (tread) serves as the planting area. Riser terraces are common in regions with very steep terrain and limited land availability, as they maximize usable area while maintaining structural stability.
Step Terraces
Step terraces are similar in appearance to stairs and are used in very steep regions where conventional farming is difficult. They consist of narrow, level steps with short vertical rises. These terraces help prevent erosion, retain moisture, and make manual farming possible in rugged landscapes. Step terracing is often seen in traditional farming systems in places like Southeast Asia and the Andes.