agriculture review
by aditya abhishek
The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican culture that existed in the post-classic period from 1300 to 1521 in Central Mexico.
People of the Aztec culture used to speak a common language Nahuatl language and dominated large parts of the region from the 14th to 16th centuries.
The Aztecs used to cultivate corn, tomatoes, beans and squash. However, it is not so surprising what they grew, but the methods they used to grow these crops are fascinating.
They used to form Chinampas, also known as floating gardens by piling up layers of dirt, mud and crop residues in the marshlands of ancient Mexico.
Once chinampas were prepared, Aztecs used to sow seeds of corn, tomato and squash. Crops derive nutrients from the mud and water of the marshlands.
A marshland is an area which remains submerged under water for a longer period and they have been used for agriculture because of natural fertility.
One hectare of chinampa could feed 20 individuals and around 9000 hectares of chinampa during that time must have fed about 180,000 individuals.
Apart from this farming system, Aztecs also used to cultivate maize, fruits, herbs, medicines, etc. on a small scale in their garden plots in cities.
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