The Impact of Aztec Chinampas on Ancient Aztec Farming ztec farming was the primary component of the Aztec economy. Unfortunately, the area where the Aztecs lived was not originally large enough to produce adequate food for the population. As a result, the Aztecs had to be creative when making their land suitable for farming. Through ingenuity and perseverance, these amazing people were able to successfully make the land both workable and valuable.
Reclaiming Land for Aztec Farming
To make the land suitable for agriculture, the Aztecs developed extensive irrigation systems and formed terraces on the hill sides. The Aztecs made significant advances in agriculture, including the innovative use of fertilizer to enrich the soil. Among their most remarkable achievements were the chinampas. These floating gardens were crucial for Aztec farming, enabling them to transform the marshy areas around the lakes into productive agricultural land. These artificial islands are also often referred to as “floating gardens,” though they do not actually float.
Ancient Aztec Farming Techniques
The Aztecs did not have beasts of burden to assist with farming. In addition, they did not have large tools such as plows. Therefore, they used pointed sticks to dig holes into the soft soil in order to plant seeds. The Aztecs also used slash-and-burn agriculture. This method involved cutting down and burning parts of the forest to create fertile plots of land for cultivation.
