How did the Inca contribute to the agriculture of the region?

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The Inca's contribution to agriculture in the region is exemplified by their development of terrace farming. This innovative technique allowed them to cultivate crops on the steep, mountainous terrain of the Andes, which would otherwise be unsuitable for traditional farming methods. By creating flat, step-like terraces on hillsides, the Incas were able to effectively manage water drainage and prevent soil erosion, thereby maximizing the arable land available for agriculture.

Terrace farming not only expanded their agricultural capacity but also helped to create microclimates that optimized growing conditions for various crops. This method became a hallmark of Incan agriculture and supported their vast empire, enabling them to produce surplus food that sustained large populations and facilitated trade. The sophisticated infrastructure they developed, including irrigation systems that complemented terrace farming, further enhanced agricultural productivity.

In contrast, while the Incas certainly adapted and promoted robust agricultural practices, they did not invent irrigation systems or introduce fundamentally new crops like potatoes and maize, as these were already present in the region but might have been improved or altered in cultivation. Additionally, nomadic farming was not characteristic of Incan practices; instead, the Incas focused on settled agriculture that relied on extensive land management strategies like terrace farming.

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