On steeply sloping lands, the slopes where such terraces are found useful vary from 6 to 30 per cent. Bench terraces with 100 m length, longitudinal grades in the range of 0.2 to 0.8 per cent are recommended for Alfisols of high rainfall regions. Bench terraces are suitable where soil depth is more than 21/2 feet and it can be laid in slopy land ranges from 16.67 to 33%. In highly slopy lands (8-15%) three types of bench terraces are planned viz., horizontal, inward and outward based on soil type and water holding capacity. In hilly areas, cultivation of horticultural crops under bench terracing method conserve soil, moisture and reduces nutrient loss and increases the yield. It also reduces soil erosion.

Bench terrace	Terracing
Bench terracing	Bench Terraces with guinea grass on risers
Cultivation in Bench Terraces

Note: If the length of the Bench Terraces is more than 400 feet, the excess water flow could be guided through contours with proper outlets.