Southern Oregon has abundant land available for farming. In fact, the Rogue River Valley is well known for producing delicious pears and other tree fruits. Winemakers continue to develop more ground in the region for vineyards. Mountain areas work well for herding animals such as cattle and sheep, yet coastal winds make even sloped land suitable for crops when terrace farming is implemented.
It’s not enough to just cut layers into a mountainside. Proper terrace farming requires professional excavation to move topsoil to create farmed areas and ridges. The water should flow appropriately down the land tiers as the upper levels become saturated. When designed by an experienced excavation company, terrace farming prevents soil erosion and contributes to soil conservation.
Benefits of Terrace Farming
- It will increase the land available for farming, and you can grow more crops without purchasing more land for your farm.
- The design aids water conservation and can help to slow down and limit water runoffs. Because the slope isn’t as steep as it originally was, the water runoff slows down and keeps water in the leveled areas.
- The layers of land prevent soil erosion and promote soil conservation. Because water is absorbed downwards into the layers versus flowing across a sloped surface, less soil is pulled away with runoff.
- When designed correctly, water drains well to prevent sedimentation and water pollution. Water shouldn’t pool onto the layers, which could create plant rot or establish a habitat for pests.
Plants that Grow Well in Terrace Farming
Not all plants grow well in this type of environment. Usually, this type of terrain works well for grains, legumes, herbs, berries, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Some specific plants that do well here include grapes, wheat, buckwheat, corn, rice, millets, saffron, black cumin, and apples.
When you need help terracing your property, call the experts at Excavation Oregon.
Sloped properties provide fantastic views in Southern Oregon, but they can be difficult for building homes or farming crops. If you have a sloped property, our team at Excavation Oregon can work with you to determine the best way to create leveled areas to get the functionality you need from the land. Give us a call today for a free quote.
Leave a Reply