pre-Columbian agriculture

Pre-Columbian agriculture refers to the farming practices developed by indigenous peoples in the Americas before European contact. These societies cultivated a diverse range of crops, including staples like maize (corn), beans, and squash, often referred to as the "Three Sisters," which complemented each other nutritionally and ecologically. Techniques such as crop rotation, irrigation, and terraforming maximized yield and sustainability. Civilizations like the Maya, Aztecs, and Inca demonstrated advanced agricultural knowledge, adapting to various climates and terrains, thereby supporting large populations and complex societies long before the arrival of Europeans. Their innovations laid the groundwork for future agricultural practices.