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Waru Waru

Soil and Water Conservation Practices

Waru waru is a type of raised-field agriculture developed by pre-Hispanic peoples of the Andes region of South America, practiced from Ecuador to Bolivia and also known by the Spanish name camellones. The system alternates parallel canals with raised planting beds built near water sources, using nutrient-rich soil drawn from aquatic plants and organic material as fertilizer; the water in the canals absorbs solar radiation that helps protect the raised beds from frost while also supplying irrigation, together lengthening the growing season and increasing yields. Functionally similar raised-field techniques have developed independently in other parts of the world.

Facts
Practice Class
A type of raised-field agriculture developed by pre-Hispanic peoples of the Andes region of South America, from Ecuador to Bolivia 1
Origin
Dated to around 300 BC and most commonly associated with the Tiwanaku culture of the Lake Titicaca region in southern Bolivia; radiocarbon dates from related habitation sites indicate use between 1000 BC and AD 400 1
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Sources
1. Waru waru - Wikipedia
  • Lead section, paragraph 1
    Waru Waru is a type of raised field agriculture developed by pre-Hispanic people in the Andes region of South America from Ecuador to Bolivia.
  • History section, paragraph 1
    This technique is dated to around 300 B.C., and is most commonly associated with the Tiwanaku culture of the Lake Titicaca region in southern Bolivia.
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