Contour Ploughing and Terrace Farming

When it comes to the topic of agriculture, there are two main methods that farmers use to cultivate their land: contour ploughing and terrace farming. Both have their own unique benefits, but it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for your specific situation. In this article, we will take a closer look at the differences between contour ploughing and terrace farming.

Terrace farming

Terrace farming is the practice of creating stepped terraces on sloped land. This type of agriculture is used to prevent soil erosion and to make the most of the land’s potential. The benefits of terrace farming include:

• Improved soil quality and fertility
• Reduced water runoff
• Increased production

Procedure of terrace farming

Terrace farming is the traditional way of agriculture where the sloping land is converted into small flat levels. In this type of farming, the soil is retained by constructing small walls of earth, stones or concrete. The main purpose of terrace farming is to prevent the soil from being washed away by the rain or carried off by the wind.

The steps involved in terrace farming are as follows:

• Clearing the slope: The first step is to clear the slope of all the trees and shrubs. This is done to make the land ready for the construction of the terraces
• Marking the contours: The next step is to mark the contours of the slope. This is done by using a level or a spirit level
• Constructing the terraces: The contours are then used to construct the terraces. This is done by using a bulldozer or a tractor
• Filling the terraces: The next step is to fill the terraces with soil. This is done by using a shovel or a bulldozer
• Cultivating the land: The final step is to cultivate the land. This is done by using a plough or a tractor

Contour ploughing

Contour ploughing is the practice of following the contours of the land when ploughing. This method is used to prevent soil erosion and to make the most of the land’s potential. The benefits of contour ploughing include:

• Reduced water runoff
• Increased production
• Improved soil quality and fertility

Procedure of contour ploughing

The procedure of contour ploughing:

• The plough is drawn along the contour of the land
• This lifts the soil and creates a furrow on the slope
• The size of the furrow depends on the length of the land and the gradient of the slope
• The soil from the furrow is then used to create a ridge on the other side of the slope
• This process is repeated until the entire field has been ploughed

Difference between contour ploughing and terrace farming  

Contour ploughing and terrace farming are different in the following ways:

1. On the basis of the definition.
2. On the basis of purpose.
3. On the basis of benefits.
4. On the basis of equipment.

On the basis of definition

Terrace farming is the practice of creating stepped terraces on sloped land while contour ploughing is the practice of following the contours of the land when ploughing.

On the basis of purpose

Terrace farming is used to prevent soil erosion and make the most of the land’s potential while contour ploughing is used to prevent soil erosion, make the most of the land’s potential and increase production.

On the basis of benefits

The benefits of terrace farming include improved soil quality and fertility, reduced water runoff, and increased production. The benefits of contour ploughing include reduced water runoff, increased production, improved soil quality and fertility.

On the basis of equipment

Terrace farming requires the use of a terracing tool while contour ploughing requires the use of a plough.

Conclusion

The difference between contour ploughing and terrace farming is that contour ploughing creates furrows in a zigzag pattern, while terrace farming creates level ridges on a sloping surface. Both methods have their pros and cons, but which one is more effective for your specific needs will depend on the situation.