- Slash-and-burn agriculture: The Maya used slash-and-burn agriculture to clear areas of forest for farming. They would cut down trees and brush, then burn the debris to clear the land. This method allowed the Maya to quickly and easily clear large areas of land for farming.
- Milpas: The Maya grew crops in milpas, which were small plots of land that were surrounded by a fence or hedge. Milpas helped to protect crops from animals and pests, and they also helped to improve soil fertility.
- Terracing: The Maya built terraces on hillsides to slow down erosion and to create more level ground for farming. Terracing also helped to improve drainage and water retention, which made it possible for the Maya to grow crops during the dry season.
- Irrigation: The Maya used irrigation to water their crops during the dry season. They built canals and reservoirs to collect and store water, and they used dams to control the flow of water.
Inca
- Andenes: The Inca built andenes, which were raised fields, to farm on the steep slopes of the Andes Mountains. Andenes helped to prevent erosion and to create more level ground for farming. They also helped to improve drainage and water retention, which made it possible for the Inca to grow crops during the dry season.
- Terraces: The Inca also built terraces on hillsides to slow down erosion and to create more level ground for farming. Terracing also helped to improve drainage and water retention, which made it possible for the Inca to grow crops during the dry season.
- Irrigation: The Inca used irrigation to water their crops during the dry season. They built canals and reservoirs to collect and store water, and they used dams to control the flow of water.
- Camelid Dung: Camelid dung was an excellent source of fertilizer.
Aztec
- Chinampas: The Aztecs built chinampas, which were artificial islands made of mud and reeds, in the shallow waters of Lake Texcoco. Chinampas were highly productive, and they allowed the Aztecs to grow a variety of crops, including corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, and peppers.
- Terraces: The Aztecs also built terraces on hillsides to slow down erosion and to create more level ground for farming. Terracing also helped to improve drainage and water retention, which made it possible for the Aztecs to grow crops during the dry season.
- Irrigation: The Aztecs used irrigation to water their crops during the dry season. They built canals and reservoirs to collect and store water, and they used dams to control the flow of water.