Terrace Farming

Terrace farming consists of building a series of step like benches. These benches are supported by either sod or stone walls. Each level slows the flow of water runoff, slowing the erosion process. They also bring into tillage areas that formerly could not be farmed. The cities of the Inca civilization were located high in the Andes Mountains where conventional farming was not feasible. They had to develop a way to grow enough crops to sustain a large population. In the harsh climate of the Andes, agriculture is a difficult activity, but can be very rewarding. Some of the obstacles faced by the people are cold temperatures at night, tropical temperatures during the day, and a lack of dependable rainfall. Temperature fluctuations at these elevations throughout the day makes it seem as though their is a change in seasons. These temperature differences can be as great as 55 to 70 degrees. Both terrace farming and irrigation was used to solve these problems, and both were organized by the state. Workers on these projects were citizens that had to provide labor at different times in their life. The worker system was always revolving around so all shared in the work. Raised benches that were irrigated created a small microclimate. Built of rectangularly cut stones. In these microclimates different types of potatoes could grow. Potatoes that were not quite as resilient could flourish here. Otherwise a more hardier tuber had to be raised, these types were not as sought after and were quite bitter

By: Joshua Thate