The Nazca constructed an amazing network of aqueducts to address the extreme dry conditions of their environment and turn it suitable for agriculture. These aqueducts spanned more than 100 kilometers and allowed them to transport water from mountain springs and rivers through underground tunnels or open canals to the coastal valleys and agricultural areas.
Underground Canals
Subterranean canals were another important irrigation strategy employed by the Nazca. They dug these channels deep into the ground to minimize water loss through evaporation and also to prevent the water from being polluted or disrupted by surface factors like sandstorms or debris.
Raised Fields (Camellones)
The Nazca implemented an innovative technique called "camellones" or raised fields. They built raised beds or mounds of earth with channels in between to distribute water effectively. This tactic facilitated drainage, prevented waterlogging and aided in storing moisture, making it ideal for agriculture in arid regions.
Terraces
The Nazca also constructed terraces along the hillsides and slopes. These leveled platforms allowed for cultivation in challenging terrains, where water distribution and soil erosion control were crucial. By creating terraces, they not only increased the arable land but also conserved soil and prevented erosion caused by heavy rains.
Windbreaks
Recognizing the damaging impact of strong winds on their crops, the Nazca planted rows of trees and other vegetation as windbreaks. These barriers helped shield the fields from wind erosion, protected crops from getting damaged, and even contributed to moisture retention in the soil.
Geoglyphs
While the purpose of the large geoglyphs (line drawings) etched into the desert is still subject to debate, some researchers suggest that they might have had ritual or astronomical significance. It's possible that these geoglyphs were connected to water scarcity and that they served as a way to call for rainfall or as offerings to the gods associated with agriculture.