What agricultural method did the Inca primarily use?

The Inca primarily utilized step farming, also known as terracing, to adapt their agriculture to the mountainous terrain of the Andes. This method involved carving flat areas into the slope of hills, creating steps that allowed for the efficient use of land which maximized arable space and facilitated irrigation. By doing so, the Incas were able to control water runoff and erosion, which is essential in mountainous landscapes.

In this system, each step or terrace can hold soil, conserving moisture and creating a suitable microclimate for crops. The Incas cultivated a variety of crops, including potatoes, maize, and quinoa, which were well-suited to their environment. This agricultural ingenuity allowed the Inca Empire to sustain a large population and thrive in challenging conditions, showcasing their advanced understanding of agriculture and resource management.

This method stands in contrast to the other options, which were not primarily employed by the Incas. For instance, hydroponics, which involves growing plants in nutrient solutions without soil, was not practiced in ancient Andes culture. Crop rotation, while beneficial, does not describe the Incan agricultural techniques as they relied heavily on their terraced fields. Similarly, slash-and-burn agriculture, involving cutting and burning plants to create fields, was not