This technical extension guide developed by ICRAF and partner institutions explains methods for measuring terrace formation on sloping agricultural land. The document highlights that natural terrace formation through agroforestry and contour planting can effectively reduce soil erosion, conserve nutrients, improve water retention, and enhance sustainable land management in mountainous areas. The guide describes how contour planting of grasses, fruit trees, and crops gradually creates terrace-like structures that slow runoff and stabilize soil. It introduces practical field methods to estimate terrace volume and shape using measurements of terrace height and width. Simple equations are used to calculate the total terrace volume formed over time. The publication emphasizes that terrace formation is an important nature-based solution for climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia. It also demonstrates how agroforestry systems combining fruit trees, grasses, and annual crops can improve productivity while protecting sloping land from degradation and nutrient loss.
