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Raised field agriculture in Tlaxcala, Mexico: An ecosystem perspective on maintenance of soil fertility

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Timothy E. Crews  and
Stephen R. Gliessman
Timothy E. Crews
Affiliation:
Graduate Student in Ecology and Systematics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2701.
Stephen R. Gliessman
Affiliation:
Professor, Board of Environmental Studies, and Director, Agroecology Program, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064.
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Abstract

Raised field agriculture in southwest Tlaxcala, Mexico, is a sophisticated, intensive traditional system of wetland cultivation that dates back to as early as 300 B. C. It provides an exceptional example of how farming practices can fit into and even take advantage of ecosystem processes. The raised fields appear to be largely self-reliant in energy and nutrients. Tlaxcalan farmers use canals, aquatic plants, polycultures, alder (Alnus firmifolia) and other trees to intensify the nutrient input into their fields and minimize nutrient losses through leaching and runoff Although the raised field system is an impressive, functioning example of a historically sustainable farming system, it is endangered by modern pressures to increase production through higher use of inputs and alteration of agroecosystem design.

Keywords

agroecologynutrient cyclingtraditional farmingraised fieldAlnus Firmifolia
Type
Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 6 , Issue 1 , March 1991 , pp. 9 - 16
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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