Chinampa: The Floating Gardens of Mexico

Chinampas, often referred to as the floating gardens of Mexico, represent an innovative agricultural technique developed by the Aztecs. These artificial islands were constructed using layers of mud from the lakebed combined with plant matter, creating highly fertile raised beds. The design of chinampas included narrow canals that facilitated transportation and irrigation, allowing farmers to navigate between the plots using canoes. This method of agriculture was particularly effective in the shallow waters of lakes, transforming otherwise unproductive areas into thriving farmland. The productivity of chinampas was remarkable, with the potential to yield an average of seven crops each year. This high output was crucial for sustaining the growing population of the Aztec civilization, as it is estimated that one hectare of chinampa could provide food for approximately 20 individuals. The chinampa system not only maximized agricultural efficiency but also contributed to the ecological balance of the region by utilizing the natural resources available in the lakes.