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Prehispanic changes in wetland topography and their implications to past and future wetland agriculture at Laguna Mandinga, Veracruz, Mexico

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  • Maija Heimo
  • Alfred Siemens
  • Richard Hebda

Abstract

We report core stratigraphy and chronology that explains the diachronic history of the surface in a prehispanic wetland agricultural complex of planting platforms and canals at Mandinga, central Veracruz, Mexico. Using recognizable stratigraphic horizons, elevations of prehistoric surfaces were measured for the wetland prior to the construction of platforms and canals, immediately following construction, at the time of abandonment, and of the present-day surface. Significant topographic and hydrological changes are evident. We discuss our results in the light of prehispanic water management and cultivation and postulate water storage within the wetland, a patchy management of water and cultivation, and variable productivity. The paper ends with a discussion of the lessons that can be learned when contemplating contemporary cultivation of wetlands. In addition to the environmental concerns, we emphasize the need to consider the physical, socio-economic, and political contexts in which contemporary wetland agriculture would have to operate. Copyright Kluwer Academic Publishers 2004

Suggested Citation

  • Maija Heimo & Alfred Siemens & Richard Hebda, 2004. "Prehispanic changes in wetland topography and their implications to past and future wetland agriculture at Laguna Mandinga, Veracruz, Mexico," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 21(4), pages 313-327, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:21:y:2004:i:4:p:313-327
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-003-1217-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pablo Torres-Lima & Beatriz Canabal-Cristiani & Gilberto Burela-Rueda, 1994. "Urban sustainable agriculture: The paradox of the chinampa system in Mexico City," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 11(1), pages 37-46, December.
    2. Judith Carney, 1991. "Indigenous soil and water management in Senegambian rice farming systems," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 8(1), pages 37-48, December.
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