Choosing Terrace Systems Robert W. Schottman and John White Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia Terraces are one way to control soil erosion. Crop rotation and tillage practices also control erosion.
Terraces do require high capital investments, however.
Terraces are intended to intercept and slow the flow of surface water from unprotected slopes. Contour farming by itself is not very effective in controlling water when large storms occur on moderately steep slopes. Terraces capture the water in a channel and control its removal from the field via an erosion-resistant, vegetative waterway or an underground pipe outlet. Your financial position will affect your choice of terracing systems. If you have a definite cash flow problem and little equity, you may consider only a minimal investment in the short term.