Geospatial Soil Conservation Using Andean Technology by the Inca Empire.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review the Incas’ success using Andean Technology to develop agricultural management practices and discuss the consequences of adopting non-sustainable practices. The Inca conducted agricultural activities from nearly sea level to over 4400 m.  To help them management this variability, they used precision farming techniques and invested in agricultural research. They most likely utilized production zones, each with a particular crop association, unique technology, and administration.  To insure food security, they actively managed local climate and soil variability.  They managed risk by using technology to reduce climatic uncertainty.  Experimentation was encouraged from local people to the probable Inca Agricultural College at Moray (Cusco, Peru). The solutions to local problems ranged from harvesting guano (manure from bird) collected from the islands off the coast of Peru as a source of phosphorus (P) to modifying microclimates by irrigation techniques, raised fields and terraces. In mountainous Andean environments, Incas constructed terraces (also known as andenes) at great expense and created an effective irrigation system that was partially responsible for their success. In flat high terrains Incas used raised fields or camellones (waru waru in Quechua and sukka qolla in Aymara).

We believe that rediscovering knowledge learned by ancient peoples may help us develop low technology-based solutions to improve energy efficiency and manage climate and soil variability today.

Key words: Raised field, terraces, manure, soil variability, energy efficiency