The practice of terrace farming, often associated with ancient civilizations, has been rediscovered in modern agriculture as a potential solution to soil erosion and water management challenges. Traditionally, terracing involved creating stepped levels on slopes, enabling crops to grow on otherwise inhospitable terrain. Recent studies suggest that this technique could also play a crucial role in combating the effects of climate change on farming.
Agronomists have noted that terraces can reduce water runoff, a major cause of soil erosion, by slowing the flow of rainwater down slopes. This allows water to seep into the ground, replenishing aquifers and increasing soil moisture. However, implementing terracing on a large scale presents significant logistical and economic challenges. Constructing terraces is labor-intensive and requires precise engineering to ensure stability and proper drainage.
Moreover, researchers have discovered that terracing can inadvertently alter local ecosystems. For instance, in regions where terracing has been introduced, certain plant and animal species have struggled to adapt to the modified landscape. These ecological shifts raise questions about the long-term sustainability of the practice.
Despite these concerns, proponents argue that terracing remains one of the most effective methods for improving agricultural resilience in hilly regions. Ongoing experiments aim to integrate modern irrigation technologies with traditional terrace designs to enhance their efficiency and reduce environmental disruption.
Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the argument that terracing improves agricultural resilience in hilly regions?
A. Terracing increases the risk of landslides during heavy rainfall resulting in additional crop losses.
B. Certain regions have found it too expensive to implement large-scale terracing projects.
C. The use of terraces has been shown to reduce water runoff but sometimes does not prevent droughts during prolonged dry seasons.
D. Modern irrigation technologies are less effective on terraced landscapes.
E. Terracing has been shown to improve crop yields in only a small percentage of cases.