Question 40

A way to increase arable land area and reduce soil erosion in hilly terrain

Terrace farming is primarily designed to create flat areas on sloped land, which helps to increase the arable land area and significantly reduces soil erosion, making it an effective agricultural practice in hilly regions.

A) A method of removing trees from a wooded area in preparation for planting crops

This option describes deforestation rather than terrace farming. While clearing land can be part of agricultural practices, it does not relate to the construction of terraces or the specific benefits associated with terrace farming, such as soil conservation and maximizing arable land.

B) A way to increase arable land area and reduce soil erosion in hilly terrain

This option accurately describes terrace farming. By creating stepped levels on slopes, farmers can cultivate crops more effectively, reduce runoff, and prevent soil loss, which are the essential characteristics of this agricultural method.

C) The practice of cultivating different crops on the same fields in a specific order

This option refers to crop rotation, which is a different agricultural practice aimed at maintaining soil health and fertility. While beneficial for various reasons, it does not pertain to terrace farming and its specific focus on managing hilly landscapes.

D) The process of growing plants without soil using added nutrients

This describes hydroponics, which is a method of growing plants in a nutrient-rich solution without soil. It is unrelated to terrace farming, which specifically involves land management on slopes to enhance farming viability.

Conclusion

Option B is definitively the correct answer as it encapsulates the core principles of terrace farming, emphasizing its role in expanding arable land and minimizing soil erosion in hilly areas. All other options fail to capture the essence of terrace farming either by describing unrelated agricultural methods or by misunderstanding the practice itself.