Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
milpa
noun
/ˈmɪlpə/
Definition
Milpa refers to a traditional farming system used primarily in Mesoamerica, where land is cleared and cultivated for a few years and then left to fallow.
Examples
- The indigenous communities often practice milpa farming to sustain their livelihoods.
- In a milpa, maize grows alongside beans, which help fix nitrogen in the soil.
Meaning
The concept of milpa encompasses the intercropping of various crops, especially maize, beans, and squash, within a cycle of cultivation and rest.
Synonyms
- shifting agriculture
- swidden agriculture
