Environmental Science
Why Constructed Terraces Effectively Control Soil Erosion on Slopes
Quick fact
Terraces can reduce soil erosion by up to 90% on steep slopes by breaking the slope into shorter segments, dramatically slowing water flow and allowing much of the runoff to soak into the ground instead of carrying soil away.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever seen rice paddies carved into a mountainside and wondered why they look like giant steps? Those steps are terraces, and they are one of humanity's oldest and most effective weapons against soil erosion.