

The water has less resistance as it runs down the hill, so it can run faster and pick up more soil as it moves. Without trees and other vegetation to slow down water, rain storms cause significant erosion on the land. This sort of farming fails on steep slopes because it creates erosion and landslides.Įrosion is the process of soil wearing away due to water or wind. Why Doesn’t Regular Farming Work on Hills?Ĭonventional farming removes all trees and plants to replace them with a crop, such as wheat. Cultures in Peru, Japan, the Philippines, Mexico, the Mediterranean, East Africa, Yemen, and China have all independently created the concept of terracing. If the land is too steep, people might try terrace farming. Their land could be too dry, too wet, too hot, or prone to insects or damaging storms. People around the world have discovered clever ways to farm in tough conditions.
