How Can People Farm on Steep Mountain Slopes?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can people farm on steep mountain slopes?

The Big Idea

People farm on steep mountain slopes by cutting flat steps called terraces into the hillside! Each step holds soil and water in place. That lets crops grow on land that would otherwise be too steep.

Cut the Steps

Step one: cut the steps. Farmers build flat steps called terraces into the hillside. Stone walls often hold each step in place, and some were built by hand long ago.

Hold Soil and Water

Step two: hold soil and water. Each flat step holds soil and water in place. That stops erosion, so rain does not wash the soil away.

Crops Grow

Step three: crops grow. The Andes have terraces built long ago, where farmers grow potatoes and corn. Terraces also stretch across mountain slopes in Asia, where farmers grow rice.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The flat steps make small fields. Stone walls keep the steps from sliding. Channels bring in water for the plants. And the crops grow in the fields.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The Andes have thousands of types of potatoes. They come in purple, red, yellow, and many different shapes and sizes. Some terraces are hundreds of years old and still used today. This farming shows how people can care for steep land and still grow food.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Build a hill from sand in a tray and make steps in it. Pour a little water over it. Compare it to a smooth slope. Which holds water better? Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

Terraces turn steep slopes into farms. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!