What is the practice called when tilling around a hill?

The practice of tilling around a hill is known as contour farming. This method involves plowing and planting across the slope of the land, following its natural contours. By doing so, farmers create furrows that help to slow down water runoff, reduce soil erosion, and increase water infiltration into the soil. This practice is particularly effective on hilly or sloped terrain where traditional plowing might lead to soil loss.

Contour farming is designed to align with the natural topography, aiding in the conservation of soil and water resources. It fosters an environmentally sustainable approach to agriculture, as it minimizes the impact of rainfall and reduces the need for chemical erosion controls. The other practices listed, such as terracing, flat farming, and row cropping, involve different techniques or approaches to land management that do not specifically focus on the contour of the land in the same way that contour farming does.