Abstract

PEREZ-SANCHEZ, José M.  and  JUAN-PEREZ, José I.. Characterization and analysis of agricultural terrace systems in Valle de Toluca, Mexico. agric. soc. desarro [online]. 2013, vol.10, n.4, pp.397-418. ISSN 1870-5472.

This study had the objective of documenting, characterizing and analyzing the components, function and importance of agricultural terrace systems in five communities of Valle de Toluca, with the purpose of understanding the geographic distribution and current situation of these Mesoamerican systems. Anthropological methods were used for the research, such as ethnography, visits to the area, interviews and direct observation, in addition to the use of GPS. The data obtained were represented in cartography through the use of the Arc Map 10 software, which allowed making a spatial analysis of these systems. The results obtained show differences in the components of terraces from the five communities. The most outstanding are the way walls are built, the presence or absence of ditches, the existence of shrub and tree vegetation, and maize cultivation. The cultural heritage and environmental knowledge of peasants contributes to the soil, water and plant management, as do the topographic conditions, to produce food destined for family subsistence and national markets.

Keywords : environment; peasants; crops; agricultural terraces.