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Benefits of Milpa

A view of the extensive forests of Yucatan, from the ruins of Cobá. Photo: D. Parsons.

The key benefit of the Milpa system is diversity. Diversity is evident in a variety of ways(13):

• Diversity of crop species grown
• Diversity of crop varieties
• Diversity of other plant species (i.e. 'weeds') in the Milpa
• Diversity of tree species conserved and used
• Diversity of animals and animal habitats in the forest
• Diversity in number of Milpas (diversity in space)
• Diversity in Milpa age (diversity in time)
• Diversity in combination with other agricultural management practices e.g. home gardens

Other benefits of Milpa include the carbon sequestration capacity of the forest, and in situ preservation of genetic resources. Because traditional Milpa does not include the use of fertilizers and pesticides, it is compatible with the main tenets of organic agriculture.