terrazzamenti

Terrazzamenti, or terraced fields, are a form of landscape engineering in which sloped terrain is converted into a series of flat, horizontal platforms supported by retaining walls. These terraces create arable surfaces on hills and mountainsides, enabling crop production, improving water management, and reducing soil erosion. The walls are often built from locally available materials, such as stone or packed earth, and are equipped with drainage and irrigation channels to control water flow.

Terracing develops where slope, climate, and farming needs intersect. It is widespread in many regions with rugged terrain, including the Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal), the Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador), and parts of Asia and Southeast Asia (China, Philippines, Vietnam). Some terraces are dry-stone reinforced, while others are earth-filled with stone reinforcements. Crops vary by region and can include vineyards, olive trees, fruit trees, and rice in irrigated terraces.

Construction and maintenance involve defining contour lines, building retaining walls, backfilling with soil, and installing drainage to prevent water logging. Terrace width and wall height depend on slope, soil stability, and intended crops. Ongoing management includes repairing walls, clearing drains, managing irrigation, and sometimes redefining terraces as land use changes.

Environmental and cultural significance include soil conservation, enhanced water retention, and microclimate benefits that expand agricultural opportunities on slopes. Terraced landscapes are often valued for their aesthetic and cultural heritage and are protected or promoted in various regional and UNESCO contexts. They remain labor-intensive, requiring regular upkeep to remain productive and stable.