Light

Terrace Farming

Definition

A type of farming where steps or "terraces" are built into the sides of hills or mountains to plant crops. This method is often used in hilly or mountainous regions where flat land is scarce.

Analogy

It's like building a multi-level parking garage on a hill instead of trying to park all cars on the slope. Each level (terrace) allows for more space (for planting).

Related terms

Subsistence Agriculture: A type of farming where farmers grow enough food to feed themselves and their families, but not much else. Terrace farming can often be a form of subsistence agriculture.

Irrigation: The artificial application of water to land for the purpose of agricultural production. Effective irrigation will influence the entire growth process from seedbed preparation, germination, root growth, nutrient utilization, plant growth and regrowth, yield and quality.

Contour Plowing: A farming practice where plowing is done parallel to the contours of the land rather than up and down slopes. This helps prevent soil erosion and is similar in concept to terrace farming.