The ancient cultures of the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas were all highly advanced societies in their own way. Each of these civilizations had their own unique practices for creating successful farming techniques, which were tailored to fit the climate and terrain of their respective land. Although each culture’s methods may have differed in detail, they all shared a common goal: to maximize crop yield while adapting to the environment’s natural constraints (Ford & Nigh, 2010). Through careful study of modern-day archaeological evidence as well as anecdotal accounts from historical sources it can be seen that one potential climate suitable for any of these three civilizations’ ancient agricultural techniques is a subtropical region with wet summers and dry winters.
A good example of an ideal crop suited for such a climate would be maize (Zea mays L). Maize has been cultivated by humans since before recorded history began and was the mainstay food crop for many pre-Columbian societies in Mesoamerica, particularly among the Mayans (Caballero et al., 2014). Maize requires several months between planting and harvest so it would do best in climates where temperatures remain within an optimal range during its growing period. Subtropical climates are also favorable because there tends to be sufficient soil moisture available throughout much of the year due to higher rainfall levels compared to other regions (Mohlenbrock & Wasshausen 1993).
Consider what climate might benefit from any of the Mayan, Aztec and Incan techniques or identify a crop that might be suitable for these ancient techniques
Subtropical climates also tend to offer long growing periods when combined with ample sunlight making them ideal for maize cultivation. Given enough proper environmental conditions maize can reach maturity anywhere from 60 days up until 120 days after planting depending on variety type (McDowell et al., 2016). This extended growth window allows farmers time to prepare alternate crops or practice other forms sustainable farming such as intercropping; a technique employed by both Incan and Aztec societies which involves alternating different types of plants in order give more complete nutrient availability into the soil without having spent additional resources on fertilizer or outside inputs (Altieri & Nicholls 2004.) The use of intercropping allowed these people to create healthier ecosystems by avoiding single-species monocultures while still providing ample sustenance throughout multiple harvests along even short heat spells.
Overall any subtropical region boasting regular rainfall amounts will suit many traditional Mayan, Aztec or Incan agricultural methods quite nicely given its beneficial temperature ranges required for certain crops like maize but also its ability support complex farmer strategies like intercropping. Therefore we see how valuable each culture’s individual contributions were towards understanding what makes for efficient yet sustainable yields no matter how diverse geographical areas may be around them (Reinhard et al., 2007.). It is thanks largely thanks due this vast collective knowledge base passed down through generations that we are able become better stewards ourselves over our planet’s future wellbeing as well our own health security through smart agricultural choices today too!