The Inca built terraces into the mountainsides, which allowed them to farm on otherwise in hospitable slopes., The terraces helped slow down water runoff, preventing soil erosion and allowing the water to instead irrigate the crops.
Raised Fields:
In some areas, the Inca created raised fields, known as "waru warus". These fields were made of soil mounds surrounded by canals. The canals helped regulate water flow and provided irrigation for the crops, even during the dry season.
Andenes:
The Inca built andenes. These were long, narrow agricultural plots built on steep mountain slopes. They helped to retain moisture and prevent erosion, and were often used to grow potatoes and other crops that could tolerate the cooler temperatures and high altitudes.
Irrigation Systems:
The Inca developed sophisticated irrigation systems to bring water from higher elevations down to their farmlands. They constructed canals, aqueducts, and reservoirs to ensure that their crops had a constant supply of water, even during droughts.
Crop Diversity:
The Inca cultivated diverse varieties of crops that were adapted to different elevations and climates. This allowed them to grow crops in various microclimates throughout their empire, ensuring a stable food supply.
Crop Rotation:
To promote soil fertility, the Inca practiced crop rotation. They rotated different crops in specific areas to prevent the depletion of nutrients in the soil, ensuring sustainable agriculture.
Freeze-Drying:
The Inca used a technique called freeze-drying to preserve crops. They exposed crops to freezing temperatures at night, and then they would thaw them in the sun during the day. This process removed excess moisture from the crops, preventing spoilage and allowing for longer storage.
Storing Techniques:
The Inca employed various storage techniques to preserve their food surplus. They used qollqas, which were large underground storage facilities lined with straw, to keep crops cool and dry. They also used granaries and other storage structures to protect grains and other food items.
Transportation
The inca had an extensive network of roads, which allowed them to transport food and other resources from one part of their empire to another. This network played a crucial role in ensuring that people living in different regions had access to the food they needed.