Answer :
Final answer:
The Andean peoples influenced Inca agriculture by introducing terrace farming, which allowed cultivation on steep slopes and provided many benefits such as reduced erosion, improved irrigation, and the creation of micro-climates suitable for various crops. Correct option is C They introduced the Inca to terrace farming, which helps stop soil from washing away..
Explanation:
The Andean peoples significantly influenced Inca agriculture, most notably through the introduction of terrace farming. This innovative technique involved creating step-like terraces on the hillside, allowing the creation of flatter surfaces suitable for crop cultivation on the steep slopes of the Andes. This method was crucial in promoting soil formation, reducing erosion, and enhancing agricultural productivity, even on the challenging terrain of the Andes. The terraces were often built with retaining walls, filled underneath with loose stones for proper drainage and topped with soil, creating micro-climates and diverse areas where a variety of plants such as corn, quinoa, and the indigenous potato could thrive.
Furthermore, terrace farming contributed to a robust Incan agricultural system, which fed a large population and supported the Incan economy. The Incas also incorporated sophisticated irrigation systems within these terraces and made use of guano as a natural fertilizer. These agricultural strategies allowed the Inca to cultivate more land than is currently in use today. Through mastery of local agricultural practices, the Inca built a society capable of storing vast amounts of food and sustaining a large population, even with the absence of certain technologies like wheeled vehicles or a written language.
