While a modern human has three essentials for survival: shelter, clothing, and food, early man had just one requirement to survive – food. Forest, land, or desert could be a shelter, but food has to be there for the survival of any species. As the population grew, so did the demand for food, although production was limited.
Have you ever heard of the Aztec Empire? Not about its religion, human sacrifices, or their glory over current Mexico, but about the efforts they put into their survival. Their massive population was able to survive because, by using what was available in the valleys of Mexico, they came up with the idea of floating gardens, known as Chinampas, capable of feeding their people.
What are Chinampas?
Chinampas are a form of agricultural production done on small, artificial islands that float on a freshwater lake. The islands are generally 6 to 10 meters wide and 100 to 200 meters long, and they are covered with different layers, consisting of dirt, mud, and vegetation. The soil on these islands is benefited by the decomposing organic waste from the lake, which eases irrigation as it contains moisture and supports fertilization. As a result, these islands are highly productive.
The use of these floating gardens was very widespread back then, as this method was rapidly adopted because of its success in feeding the people.
How Is This Technique Useful?
This method of agriculture practiced in Mesoamerica – floating fertile lands on lake beds – is a proper example of “Ancient solution of modern problems.” It’s not a lab-originated concept with side effects; rather, it is a fully natural way to use natural resources without exploiting them.
Detailed Benefits
Global Importance
The concept of floating gardens holds huge importance across the globe, not because of its historical value, but because it is able to withstand and address climatic barriers, high city food demand, and related pressures. Chinampas aren’t simple; though this method was quite effective production-wise, it was a success through the joint effects of technological management, analysis of the environment, and sophisticated farming methods like multiple cropping, etc.
This is also the idea that, even if we are short on land, we will be able to grow as much as we need. Hence, the employment of Chinampas will be useful in the near future.
Food and Livelihood Opportunities
The Chinampas method not only assures populations of a food supply, but it also increases opportunities for employment as its technology requires care. It can employ a literate as well as an illiterate population. Moreover, the practice of Chinampas technology can be a subject for study, as there is always room for further development.
Boosts Agro Diversity
Chinampas has helped humans and can help other species as well; more than one crop can be produced – from maze to tomato, for example – making this system one of agro diversity. It also supports the aquatic life of the pond or lake in which it is being practiced.
So, all in all, Chinampas make for a great method of agriculture because of their potential for rich production, employment opportunities, agro diversity, and support of the lives of a diverse range of species.
Pros and Cons of Chinampas Gardening
A basic requirement of Chinampas gardening and crop production is clean water. However, ensuring clean water is good for the overall environment as well. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about this system requiring too much water; since the Chinampas islands flourish above bodies of water, any runoff is simply released into the water. The Chinampas method is quite advantageous.
The disadvantages to consider about floating gardens agriculture occur during times of flooding, as flooding poses a high risk of damage to crops. Urban waste is another threat to crop quality as it gets released in waterways and can pollute them. The good news is the waste tends to settle on the bottom so pollution only becomes more of a concern when the body of water is disturbed.
How to Make Your Own Floating Garden
Practicing Chinampas gardening is a unique opportunity for home gardeners. If you want to try it out one time and see how you like it, then following this 6-step method.
Step 1: The Foundation of the Floating Islands
The first thing you have to do is create the foundation of your islands; for this, you have to use Bamboo, known for being lightweight and for its capacity to float. To provide a strong and long-lasting base for your islands, you have to tie bamboo rods (based on the size you need) in a crisscross way and near something that will help it remain in the position you want. You can use twine for the tying, and remember to seal the end of the bamboo rods.
Step 2: Covering Your Foundation
To cover your Bamboo foundation, banana leaves or palm tree leaves will be best . If you can’t procure them, you can go for straw as an alternative. You can use any material as long as it is not plastic, but keep the surface of your foundation dry and support the soil quality.
Step 3: Preparing the Soil
As your garden is going to produce a good quantity of crops, its soil should be in the best condition, meaning rich in all nutrients. You can add leaves, organic manure, dirt, etc., in order to make it more productive.
Step 4: Planting the Seeds
You can sow seeds of small vegetables or flowers. Cover the seeds with some dirt first.
Step 5: Introducing the Islands to the Water
You need to find a proper water arrangement for your garden to float on. Make sure to have sufficient water. Then put your small island onto it. You have to make sure that the water is fresh and you must change it from time to time.
Step 6: Witness the Growth your own Chinampas
You will marvel at how Chinampas work. It just floats, requiring very minimal effort from your hands. You will only need to water and check its growth.
Conclusion
The concept of the floating garden can be applied in order to meet food requirement that are increasing every day. However, it’s quite laborious but full of technological advances with no side effects involved. If not now, but in the future, when there won’t be enough land, Chinampas will be one of the best ways to practice agriculture.
