What term refers to the steps carved into mountains to make land flatter for farming?

• A. Contour Ploughing
• B. Terracing
• C. Strip Cultivation
• D. Cover Cropping

Answer: (B)

Terracing is creating step-like flat surfaces on a hillside to make land suitable for farming. Each step, or terrace, is supported by a retaining wall, which helps hold soil in place and control water flow. This method reduces soil erosion on slopes and improves irrigation by giving crops level ground where water can be managed more easily. It’s a common solution in mountainous regions where there isn’t much flat land available.

Contour ploughing, on the other hand, involves ploughing along the curves of equal elevation to slow runoff but does not create flat platforms. Strip cultivation refers to farming in alternating strips, often to manage soil fertility or vegetation cover, not to carve steps. Cover cropping is about planting crops to protect and improve soil health rather than altering the land’s shape.