Which agricultural practice was important to the Maya?

The agricultural practice that was important to the Maya was terracing. This method involves creating stepped levels on sloped land to maximize arable space and reduce soil erosion. In the hilly and mountainous regions where many Mayan cities were established, terracing allowed for the effective cultivation of crops such as maize, beans, and squash by making the most of limited flat land and controlling water runoff.

This technique helped sustain their agricultural production, accommodating the growing population and supporting city-states over centuries. The use of terracing reflects the Maya's advanced understanding of their environment and their ability to adapt horticultural practices to fit their geographical conditions, thus enhancing their agricultural efficiency and food security.

In contrast, shifting cultivation, crop rotation, and intensive irrigation were either less relevant or not predominantly practiced in the same manner by the Maya. While these methods can be effective in various agricultural contexts, the specific adaptation of terracing is what significantly characterized Maya agricultural practices and contributed to their civilization's sustainability and success.