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Milpa
- introduction
- history
- henequen
- practices
- people
- benefits
- threats
- controversy
- intensive milpa
- milpa references
History
Maize is culturally and historically an important crop in Mexico. Source: panna.org
Milpa cultivation, particularly involving maize, has been
practised for centuries as the main means of sustenance for Mayan communities throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. The high heterogeneity of Yucatán soils, their low fertility, and their difficulty in mechanization has necessitated suitable land management practices.
Maize genetic diversity. Source: panna.org
In pre-Columbian times, essentially all land was dedicated to Milpa. Settlement was dispersed and the Milpa system was supported by the ruling classes, ensuring its success. The fact that the essential elements of Milpa remain today speaks volumes about the positive characteristics of the system.