Table of Contents
What is terrace farming and how it controls soil erosion?
Terraces divide slopes so that surface runoff is intercepted and carried to a protective outlet. Terraces decrease erosion by shortening slope length, slowing runoff velocity, and trapping sediments. Surface runoff water concentrates in waterways that when bare or unstable are extremely erodible.
What do Terraces do?
Terraces are earthen structures that intercept runoff on moderate to steep slopes. They transform long slopes into a series of shorter slopes. Terraces reduce the rate of runoff and allow soil particles to settle out.
How does terracing method help conserve soil?
Terracing keeps the soil from moving very far downhill since it will only get as far as the next terrace downhill. Water will also be slowed by the terraces and so will be less able to carry tremendous amounts of soil downhill. Terracing is a great way to preserve soil when farming is being done on hillsides.
What is the role of terrace farming?
Terrace farming is an efficient and often the only solution for hilly farmlands. The importance of terrace farming goes far beyond cultivating lands that are not suitable for agriculture otherwise. Furthermore, terrace farming prevents soil erosion and contributes to soil conservation.
How do we prevent soil erosion?
You can reduce soil erosion by:
- Maintaining a healthy, perennial plant cover.
- Mulching.
- Planting a cover crop – such as winter rye in vegetable gardens.
- Placing crushed stone, wood chips, and other similar materials in heavily used areas where vegetation is hard to establish and maintain.
How many types of terraces are there?
Terraces are classified into to two major types: broad-base terraces and bench terraces. Broad-base terraces are adapted where the main purpose is either to remove or retain water on sloping land suitable for cultivation whereas, the purpose of bench terraces is mainly to reduce the land slope.
What are the different types of terraces?
There are three kinds of terraces (a) bench terraced farmlands; (b) sloping terraced farmland; (c) combination level terraced farmlands and natural slope land. Bench terrace is the basic type of farmland in mountains. A bench terrace with its level platform and projected or ridged rim may hold rainwater for irrigation.
What is the best way to prevent soil erosion?
What are the types of terraces?
What is terrace farming give example?
Terrace farming is the type of farming which takes place mainly on mountains for growing crops. Example: most well-known use of terrace farming are the rice paddies of Asia. Rice needs a lot of water, and a flat area that can be flooded is best. Tea farmers also take advantage of terrace farming.
What can I do to prevent soil erosion?
If you need assistance, contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) or your local AgriLife Extension County Office. Crop Rotation: Rotating in high-residue crops — such as corn, hay, and small grain — can reduce erosion as the layer of residue protects topsoil from being carried away by wind and water.
How does soil erosion affect farmers in Texas?
For Texas farmers and ranchers, soil erosion is more than just an inconvenience — it can reduce crop yields, drive up production costs, damage water quality, and even create safety hazards for both people and animals.
How does tillage affect the erosion of soil?
Tillage erosion occurs when tilling activity drags the soil downhill. The extent of the erosion varies depending on the grade of the slope and the depth and speed of tillage. While there’s not much we can do about wind and rain, we can try some proven techniques of preventing soil erosion.
How is wind erosion related to soil erosion?
Also known as “soil drifting,” wind erosion is the removal, transportation, and deposition of topsoil by high air velocity close to the ground. Wind erosion is most often a problem on flat land and in drier climates.