Increasing Land Surface Through the Soil Undulation Process: An Agroecological Strategy in the Jiu Valley Region

Land surface undulation represents a promising agroecological strategy to enhance orchard productivity and resilience, especially in sloped or degraded terrains. This study explores the role of controlled soil undulation in increasing effective cultivable area, improving resource efficiency, and mitigating the agricultural carbon footprint. Using a geometric modeling approach based on the Pythagorean theorem, we quantified surface area gains across slopes ranging from 1° to 20°, with results indicating up to 6.4% surface increase at 20°. Field data from the Jiu Valley, Romania—an area with post-mining degradation and complex topography—were used to evaluate the practical applicability of undulation techniques. Findings suggest that increased land surface enables higher planting density, better water retention, and reduced erosion, contributing to improved yields and soil carbon sequestration. The integration of undulation with contour farming, terracing, and precision technologies (e.g., GPS mapping, soil sensors) further enhances sustainability outcomes. This approach supports the functional restoration of marginal lands and aligns with climate-smart agricultural practices. The study concludes that soil undulation, when contextually implemented, provides measurable ecological and economic benefits, offering a scalable model for sustainable orchard development in varied geographic conditions.