scope:

Purpose and Scope

This Standard is intended as a guide to engineers and technicians for the design, layout, construction and maintenance of terrace systems on cropland that uses modern equipment and techniques. It is not intended for small scale or subsistence agriculture that requires hand labor for construction.

Terraces are earth embankments and channels constructed across the slope at suitable spacings and with acceptable grades for one or more of the following purposes:

To reduce soil erosion.

To provide for maximum retention of moisture for crop use.

To improve water quality.

Terraces alone may not provide adequate control of erosion on sloping lands. Terraces should be installed as part of a system of conservation practices that address the runoff from cropland. Additional practices to consider along with terraces to control erosion and water quality include conservation tillage, residue management, contour farming, nutrient management, pest management and filter strips.