Question

Identify the cause of soil degradation in areas where terrace farming is practiced. Briefly explain how soil is degraded in this case.

Answer 1

Soil degradation in areas where terrace farming is practised is mainly caused by water erosion due to heavy rainfall or the improper maintenance of terraces. When the terraces are damaged or not properly maintained, rainwater flows rapidly down the slopes and washes away the fertile topsoil. This reduces the soil’s fertility and moisture-retaining capacity, leading to soil degradation.