Catchwork

/ˈkætʃwɜːrk/ noun

Definition

A type of agricultural terracing or water-management system designed to catch and retain rainfall on hillsides.

Etymology

From 'catch' + 'work,' a term used in 16th-century agricultural writing. It refers to engineered systems that literally 'catch' water, combining practical field work with strategic design.

Kelly Says

Catchwork is an ancient irrigation genius that farmers in dry regions still use today—it's basically a water-harvesting technology that predates modern dams. The system works by creating ridges that funnel every precious drop of rain into the soil where crops need it.

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