Final answer:
Terrace farming is the process of cultivating crops on terraced steps cut into hillsides, which is different from slash-and-burn agriculture used in nutrient-poor rainforest soils.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of cultivating crops on the sides of hills to maximize land area is known as terrace farming. This method involves cutting flat areas or terraces into steep slopes, which creates a series of steps that can be used to plant and grow crops efficiently in mountainous regions. Terrace farming is distinct from other forms of cultivation such as slash-and-burn agriculture, which is practiced in rainforest areas with nutrient-poor soils that require the vegetation to be cut and burned to enrich the soil temporarily. Conversely, terrace farming is a more permanent solution employed in hilly areas to prevent erosion and make effective use of available land for agriculture.