terrasserade

Terrasserade refers to land that has been shaped into a series of level, step-like platforms on a slope. This modification, known as terracing, creates flat cultivation surfaces, improves water management, and reduces soil erosion. Terracing is used for agriculture as well as for landscaping and land restoration, particularly on hillsides.

Terraces are typically formed by constructing retaining walls using stone, concrete, or packed earth, creating benches separated by risers. Drainage systems are integrated to remove excess water and prevent pooling. The design balances soil depth, slope angle, and maintenance access, and often includes measures to stabilize the edges and prevent erosion.

The primary purpose of terrassement is to enable farming on sloped terrain. Crops such as rice, maize, vineyards, olives, and various horticultural plants are grown on terraces, especially in mountainous regions. Beyond agriculture, terraces can improve microclimates, reduce runoff, and contribute to landscape aesthetics. They are common in many parts of the world, including the Andes, Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, and Africa.

Environmental considerations include benefits such as reduced erosion, enhanced water infiltration, and soil conservation. Drawbacks can include high initial labor and cost, ongoing maintenance, and potential disruption of natural drainage or local ecosystems if poorly designed. Terraces may be vulnerable to landslides or structural failure under extreme rainfall or seismic activity if not properly engineered and maintained.

Historically, terracing has multiple independent origins and has been a crucial technique for making marginal and mountainous land productive for many cultures around the world.