Explain how bench terraces are made and how they control soil erosion?

Bench terraces are a type of soil conservation technique used to control soil erosion on sloped land. They are constructed by creating a series of level platforms, or benches, along the contour of the land. These benches are typically built by excavating soil from the uphill side of the slope and using it to fill in the downhill side, creating a flat surface.

The construction of bench terraces helps to slow down the flow of water down the slope, reducing the velocity of runoff and allowing more time for water to infiltrate into the soil. This helps to prevent soil erosion by reducing the amount of sediment that is carried away by runoff.

In addition to controlling soil erosion, bench terraces also help to conserve soil moisture and improve water infiltration, which can benefit crop growth and productivity. They can also help to reduce the risk of landslides and flooding on sloped land.

Overall, bench terraces are an effective and sustainable soil conservation technique that can help to protect agricultural land from the damaging effects of erosion.

Creation of Bench Terraces

Bench terraces are constructed by:

1. Excavation: Soil is excavated from the lower side of a slope, creating a level platform or "bench."
2. Embankment: The excavated soil is then shifted to the upper side of the slope to form a raised embankment.
3. Stabilization: The benches and embankments are stabilized with vegetation, retaining walls, or other structures to prevent collapse.

Control of Soil Erosion

Bench terraces control soil erosion in several ways:

- Reduce runoff velocity: The terraces slow down water flow down the slope, reducing erosion caused by runoff.
- Infiltration: The level benches allow water to infiltrate into the soil, reducing surface runoff.
- Trapping sediment: The embankments intercept and trap sediment from runoff, preventing it from being carried away.
- Vegetation: The vegetation planted on the terraces helps absorb rainfall, reduce runoff, and bind the soil together.
- Support for plants: The terraces provide a stable platform for plants to grow, reducing erosion caused by vegetation loss.

Additional Benefits

Besides soil erosion control, bench terraces also offer additional benefits:

- Land reclamation: They allow cultivation on steep slopes, increasing agricultural land.
- Water conservation: Terraces capture and store rainfall, reducing water loss through runoff.
- Improved productivity: Reduced erosion and increased water availability lead to better crop yields.
- Aesthetic value: Terraced landscapes create visually appealing and distinctive agricultural landscapes.