Question

Terrace farming is a method of
A. Water conservation
B. Soil conservation
C. Air pollution
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The terraces are platforms or surfaces made by cutting a slope into steps. It is a sustainable agricultural practice. Terraces are formed in hilly areas or areas having slopes. Terrace farming supports crops requiring good irrigation.

Complete answer: Terrace farming is an agricultural practice involving cutting slopes into steps that serve as flat platforms for cultivation. Terrace farming is mostly performed in hilly areas. The cut slopes resemble the steps of a stair. It is a very effective and sustainable farming technique that ensures good irrigation and prevents surface run-off. Soil erosion is one of the major serious issues in farming that needs to be eliminated. It is a phenomenon where the topmost layer of soil withers away or runs-off with the flow of water or air. This results in decreases in soil fertility thus leading to less crop yield. Terrace farming is a good alternative to avoid surface run-off and soil erosion. The cut steps retain water on them. The water does not flow in speed but it gradually flows down causing no or very less surface run-off. Crops like paddy can be grown easily over the terrace. Wheat and barley are also grown over terrace farming land. The terrace farming has been reported to be as early as the 15th century AD in the regions of West Africa. Thus, from the above discussion, we can conclude that terrace farming helps in reducing soil loss, which means that terrace farming is a method that confirms soil conservation.
So, option B is the correct answer.

Note: The rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are recognized as a World Heritage site because of their characteristic terrace farming technique. The Canary Islands represent a complex system of terraces. These terraces include specially designed attached stairs with channels.