The earthen ridges built around a hillside on the contour cut a long slope into shorter slopes, preventing water from building to a highly erosive force. Some terraces are seeded to grass, which provides erosion control and a nesting area for birds. Terraces are often used in combination with other conservation practices to provide more complete soil protection. Stripcropping is a common erosion control practice on many farms. Farmers often alternate strips of corn or soybeans with strips of hay.
Many farmers put erosion prone areas into permanent cover.