Agricultural Andenes or terraces in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, close to Pisac, Peru. Inca agriculture was the culmination of thousands of years of farming and herding in the high-elevation Andes mountains of South America, the coastal deserts, and the rainforests of the Amazon basin.

Feb 7, 2015 · The Incas were ambitious farmers, and to maximise agricultural production, they transformed the landscape with terracing, canals, and irrigation networks, whilst wetlands were often drained to make them suitable for farming.

Dec 12, 2024 · Which crops were staples in the Inca agricultural system? Staples included maize, potatoes, quinoa, and legumes. Other crops included coca, sweet potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, peanuts, and various fruits like lúcuma and guava.

Mar 21, 2025 · Discover the ancient secrets of Inca farming style, a sustainable agricultural method that revolutionized crop cultivation in the Andes. Explore how terracing, crop diversity, and sophisticated irrigation systems like waru waru fields ensured food security. Learn about their innovative use of vertical ecosystems, crop rotation, and soil conservation techniques, offering valuable lessons for ...

Food crops were vital to the success of the Inca Empire. Lacking viable and consistent sources of meat, the Incas, particularly the peasantry, lived on a largely vegetarian diet. Thankfully, the Incas were “master agriculturists,” as stated in Lost Crops of the Incas:

Mar 27, 2025 · The Incas constructed massive terracing systems, such as those at Moray, where concentric circular terraces created microclimates that allowed for experimental crop cultivation. Their irrigation infrastructure, including canals, aqueducts, and reservoirs, ensured water supply to arid and mountainous regions, enabling efficient farming in ...

Feb 17, 2025 · The cornerstone of the Inca diet consisted of several key crops that were carefully cultivated and managed across their empire. Without a doubt, the potato was the most significant crop for the Inca people. They cultivated hundreds of different varieties, each adapted to specific altitudes and climates within the Andean region.

Jan 17, 2025 · Discover how the Incans farmed using innovative techniques like terrace farming, crop diversification, and advanced irrigation systems. Learn how their sustainable practices, such as soil conservation and companion planting, can inspire modern gardening. Unlock ancient wisdom to enhance your garden's productivity and resilience with …

In the heart of the Andes Mountains, the Inca civilization created an agricultural marvel that continues to inspire modern sustainable farming. Inca terrace farming was not just a means of food production—it was a revolutionary adaptation …

Aug 22, 2024 · The Incas practiced crop rotation and introduced various crops, such as potatoes and quinoa, which contributed to agricultural biodiversity and food security in modern farming.