Terrace Farming: Beautiful Terraced Landscapes from Around the World

The cultivation of crops in a hilly or mountainous environment can be accomplished through the use of a farming technique known as terrace farming, aided by modern agricultural apps. It is a method that has been utilized everywhere from the steep slopes of the Andes in South America to the rice fields of Asia for a very long time. This article will examine the history of terrace farming as well as its current application, supported by innovative apps, in various parts of the world. A level field that has access to adequate irrigation is typically considered to be the best land for farming.

Terrace Farming: A Look at Five Beautiful Terraced Landscapes around the World

The process of excavating and moving topsoil to form farmed areas and ridges is the central component of the agricultural practice known as terracing. The trick is that once the higher platforms are full, water will start to flow down to the lower platforms. The purpose of terrace farming on slopes is to reduce the amount of water flowing down the slope and to prevent soil erosion; therefore, terracing is required.

1. Banaue Rice Terraces

The Banaue Rice Terraces are frequently referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. In 1995, they were inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is situated in the middle of the Philippines' Cordillera mountain range, which is its most important feature. Ifugao tribes are responsible for carving out the fields that make up the Banaue Rice Terraces. It is believed that these fields have been successfully producing rice for almost two thousand years.

2. Machu Picchu

The majority of the farming that took place at Machu Picchu took place on the area's countless man-made terraces. The construction of these terraces required a significant amount of engineering. They were designed to improve drainage and increase the fertility of the soil, while also serving to protect the mountain from erosion and landslides.

3. Douro Valley

The Douro Valley, which is considered to be the birthplace of port wine, can be found in the northern region of Portugal, not too close to the city of Porto. The slopes of the valley are covered with vineyard terraces that descend precipitously to the river banks. The hues of the land shift throughout the course of the year as the vines reach their full maturity, contributing to the breathtaking scenery of the valley.

4. Sapa is home to some stunningly beautiful rice terraces

The name Sapa comes from the Chinese word Xa Pa, which translates to "sandy place." The Sapa District is located in the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range, which is on the very easternmost edge of the Himalayas. It is believed that the rice terraces in Sapa date back primarily to the 15th century However, despite the fact that development poses a threat to some of the terraces, others are still being built and cultivated.

5. Hani Terraces

The Honghe Hani Rice Terraces are located in the southern part of the Chinese province of Yunnan and span an enormous 16,603 hectares. Stunning terraces like these can be found tumbling down the sides of the towering Ailao Mountains until they reach the banks of the Hong River. The terraces rise by 3,000 steps at varying angles, ranging from a shallow 15 degrees to a steep 75 degrees, to form a magnificent landscape that is uncommon not only in the United States but also in other countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, terrace farming is an agricultural technique that has been utilized in many parts of the world, from the steep slopes of the Andes to the rice fields of Asia. It involves the excavation and movement of topsoil to form farmed areas and ridges, with the purpose of reducing water flow and preventing soil erosion. The five terraced landscapes described in this article - the Banaue Rice Terraces, Machu Picchu, Douro Valley, Sapa, and Hani Terraces - showcase the beauty and effectiveness of terrace farming in different parts of the world. Despite the threat of development, these terraces continue to be built and cultivated, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of humans in adapting to their environment.