O terracing is agricultural technique implanted in areas with very steep slopes in order to stop the advance of erosive processes due to the accelerated flow of rainwater over the ground. Basically, the technique consists of dividing the land, dividing it into sloping ramps, so that the water velocity is reduced and its impacts are minimized.
The terracing technique was developed by the Inca civilization, which faced geographical difficulties to settle in a mountainous and, at the same time, very rainy region. So he developed this way of producing his food, which was used for about a century. Currently, the use of terracing is most common in Southeast Asia, especially in Vietnam, where rice production is predominant.
The main characteristics of terracing is the fact that it requires a large amount of labor, it requires a high technical knowledge for its application and does not allow a large use of machinery due to the difficulty of access. Even so, it is possible to use this technique for cultivation in intensive agriculture.
There are, therefore, two types of terraces, classified according to their capacity to retain or not water: storage and the one of drainage.
You storage terraces, also called terraces of infiltration or level, are those built to retain rainwater, allowing it to infiltrate into the soil. It is the most recommended model in soils with greater permeability, such as oxisols, sandy soils and others.
You drainage terraces, also called runoff terraces or of unevenness, are those built to allow the gradual flow of water to other areas. This displacement may or may not be directed to a possible reuse in other activities.
As we have already said, the practice of terracing requires a good technical knowledge. It is, therefore, necessary to carry out a detailed study of the terrain to choose the best type of terrace and the cut to be carried out on the ground. In addition, it is important that they are associated with other erosion protection techniques and that they also aim to maintain the soil fertility, such as crop rotation, the use of straw to cover and protect the soil, among other procedures.
By Me. Rodolfo Alves Pena
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/geografia/terraceamento.htm