What did farmers in the Inca empire do to grow food?

The Incas were very skilled and resourceful farmers, and they managed to grow a variety of crops in their harsh environment. They used several techniques to do this, including:

* Terracing: The Incas built terraces on the sides of mountains to create flat areas for farming. This allowed them to grow crops on land that would otherwise be too steep.

* Irrigation: The Incas built irrigation canals to bring water to their crops from rivers and streams. This allowed them to grow crops even during dry seasons.

* Fertilization: The Incas used manure and other natural fertilizers to improve the fertility of their soil.

* Crop rotation: The Incas rotated their crops to help preserve the soil and prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

* Experimentation: The Incas were constantly experimenting with new crops and farming techniques. This allowed them to develop new ways to grow food and improve their yields.

The Incas were able to produce a surplus of food thanks to their sophisticated farming techniques. This surplus allowed them to support a large population and build a powerful empire.