Milpa

Milpa is a traditional farming method used mainly in Central America, where farmers grow multiple crops together in the same plot, typically maize (corn), beans, and squash. This intercropping system creates a sustainable, biodiverse environment that benefits the soil and reduces the need for external inputs like chemical fertilizers. The plants support each other: beans fix nitrogen in the soil, maize provides structure, and squash covers the ground to prevent weeds. Milpa has been practiced for centuries, blending agriculture with cultural traditions, and promotes resilient, productive landscapes that sustain local communities.