Terrace Farming in the Americas

Terrace farming is another interesting gardening history topic from the Americas. The Wari and Inca civilizations of Peru provide fine examples of using this technique for large scale food production in challenging dry conditions. Terraced farming was mastered 1,500 years ago in Peru, and continues today as archeologists reintroduce farmers to this old technique.

Terraces at Tambomachay, Peru. Photo by McKay Savage. Creative Commons.

Steep mountainsides are cut back in large steps, and rock retaining walls, up to eight feet tall, are built forming a raised bed. The base of these steps are typically clay soil, topped with layers of gravel and sand, and up to a yard (or meter) of top soil. The rocks heat during the day keeping the soil warmer at night, enabling crops to be grown at high altitudes. Additionally, the layers of gravel and sand ensure drainage of water down to the next terrace, with the base layer of clay retaining some water. Archeologist Dr. Ann Kendall, who has studied terrace farming near Cusco, Peru, reports that soil is still moist six months after irrigation. Organic matter breaks down in this damp environment and is recycled upward, so that no fertilizers are needed. Typical crops include potatoes, maize, beans, barley, and quinoa.



Terraces at Ollantaytambo, Peru. Photo by Bernard Gagnon. Creative Commons.

Dr. Kendall formed the Cusichaca Trust in 1977 to educate modern farmers to the ancient techniques of terrace farming and irrigation, and restore Incan agricultural practices throughout Peru. This is another brilliant idea for sustainable farming in harsh conditions, worth considering as the world fills ups and innovative solutions for food production are needed.