Terraced rice production is a climate adaption tool. It reduces the velocity of water runoff and the resulting soil erosion by reducing the length of sloped land surfaces. This helps protect the soil from moderate flood risks. It can also trap and hold rainwater to make it feasible to cultivate water-intensive crops (such as rice). The flatter areas of land increase the ability to retain and absorb water if the soil is sufficiently permeable. However, it is labor intensive to construct and maintain the terraces.
November 30, 2018.