The main objective of this study was to understand the farmer’s indigenous knowledge of terrace management in the Sikkim Himalaya with reference to Rani Khola watershed. Primary data were collected through a mix of questionnaire surveys, focused group discussions, and field observations with a sample size of 300 households. Detailed documentation of the evolution of the terraces and their types, bunding material, types of risers, the relationship of slope and terraces dimensions, soil and water conservation (SWC) practices were performed. Remote sensing data was used to derive information pertaining to elevation, slope and land-use/cover of the watershed. The study reveals that dimensions and types of terraces are subjected to the elevation, slope gradient, local soil and vegetation cover. Leveled terraces were constructed on lower slopes while outward sloping terraces were more common on higher slopes. It was also observed that with the increase in slope angle, width and length of the terraces decreased. Terrace riser height was also correlated with slope; riser height unavoidably increased as slope increased. The study concludes that terraces in the study watershed are effective in reducing the slope gradient and length, and in turn helpful in trapping eroded soil, slowing soil movement and in due course reducing soil erosion and increasing agricultural productivity. It is suggested that for overall management of terraces, it needs to be combined with additional soil and water conservation practices.

中文翻译：

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印度锡金喜马拉雅山水土保持梯田管理的土著知识

这项研究的主要目的是了解农民对锡金喜马拉雅山梯田管理的了解，并参考Rani Khola分水岭。原始数据是通过问卷调查，重点小组讨论和实地观察的混合方式收集的，样本量为300户。详细记录了梯田的演变及其类型，绑扎材料，立管的类型，坡度与梯田尺寸的关系，水土保持实践。遥感数据被用于得出有关海拔，坡度和流域土地利用/覆盖的信息。研究表明，阶地的尺寸和类型受海拔，坡度梯度，当地土壤和植被覆盖的影响。在较低的坡度上建造水平梯田，而在较高的坡度上向外倾斜的梯田更为常见。还观察到，随着坡度角的增加，阶地的宽度和长度减小。梯田立管高度也与坡度相关。随着坡度的增加，立管高度不可避免地增加。该研究得出的结论是，研究流域中的梯田可有效减少坡度和坡度，进而有助于捕获侵蚀的土壤，减缓土壤运动并在适当的时候减少土壤侵蚀并提高农业生产力。建议对梯田进行全面管理，应将其与其他水土保持措施结合起来。梯田的宽度和长度减小。梯田立管高度也与坡度相关。随着坡度的增加，立管高度不可避免地增加。该研究得出的结论是，研究流域中的梯田可有效减少坡度和坡度，进而有助于捕获侵蚀的土壤，减缓土壤运动并在适当的时候减少土壤侵蚀并提高农业生产力。建议对梯田进行全面管理，应将其与其他水土保持措施结合起来。梯田的宽度和长度减小。梯田立管高度也与坡度相关。随着坡度的增加，立管高度不可避免地增加。该研究得出的结论是，研究流域中的梯田可有效减少坡度和坡度，进而有助于捕获侵蚀的土壤，减缓土壤运动并在适当的时候减少土壤侵蚀并提高农业生产力。建议对梯田进行全面管理，应将其与其他水土保持措施结合起来。减缓土壤运动，并在适当时候减少水土流失并提高农业生产率。建议对梯田进行全面管理，应将其与其他水土保持措施结合起来。减缓土壤运动，并在适当时候减少水土流失并提高农业生产率。建议对梯田进行全面管理，应将其与其他水土保持措施结合起来。