Chinampa

/tʃɪˈnɑm.pə/ noun

Definition

An ancient Aztec floating garden built on shallow lake beds, used for agriculture and still used today in Mexico.

Etymology

From Nahuatl 'chinámitl,' combining 'chintli' (hedge) and 'atl' (water). This Pre-Columbian technology was extensively documented by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.

Kelly Says

Chinampas are considered the world's most sustainable and productive agricultural system—they can produce 7 crops per year on tiny plots and require no chemical fertilizers! The Aztecs built them so well that some are still productive after 600+ years, and modern farmers are copying them to fight climate change.

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