Terrace

Definition

A terrace is a level or gently sloping step built into a hillside to shorten the slope and slow runoff. Well-built terraces can reduce erosion substantially on suitable slopes and help water soak in. They are costly to build, need regular maintenance and can fail and cause worse gullying if poorly designed, so local guidance is valuable. They do not replace ground cover. See also: Runoff, Gully erosion, Cover crop, and the guide "Restoring and Protecting Soil: Practices and Honest Limits".