Answer :
Final answer:
The Inca irrigation system was crucial for terrace farming as it allowed for effective water management and adaptation to the challenging mountainous environment. This system ensured adequate moisture for crops, while reducing soil erosion. Consequently, it maximized agricultural productivity on steep terrain.
Explanation:
Importance of Inca Irrigation System for Terrace Farming
The Inca irrigation system was essential for successful terrace farming on the steep slopes of the Andes mountains. Farming in these regions posed significant challenges due to the steep terrain and limited natural water supply.
Here are the primary reasons why this irrigation system was necessary:
- Water Control: The system allowed the Incas to control how much water their crops received. With terraces capturing water runoff and channeling it to crops, farmers could manage irrigation more effectively, ensuring crops received adequate moisture.
- Terracing Techniques: The terraces served as water catchment areas, reducing soil erosion and preventing runoff, which is crucial on steep mountainsides. This maximization of land utility ensured that even hard-to-farm land could be productive.
- Adaptation to Environment: The Incas had to adapt their farming techniques to the local environment, where natural precipitation was often insufficient. By implementing a sophisticated irrigation network, they could farm sustainably in these mountainous regions.
In summary, the Inca irrigation system was necessary to enhance agricultural productivity, manage water resources effectively, and adapt to the challenging mountain landscapes they were farming.
Learn more about Inca irrigation system here:
https://brainly.com/question/760049
