south america

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South America Geography

Exploring South America’s Diverse Landscapes

• South America features a wide variety of environments, including:
• The Amazon Rainforest (tropical and rainy)
• The Andes Mountains (high altitudes with unique soil challenges)
• The Atacama Desert (one of the driest places on Earth)
• Fertile valleys in Argentina (temperate climate)

Question: How might the geography and soil types in these regions influence agriculture?

Amazon Rainforest: Mostly clay soil, highly weathered but nutrient-poor due to heavy rainfall. Atacama Desert: Sandy soil, minimal organic matter, and low water retention. Pampas of Argentina: Loamy soil, rich in nutrients, ideal for agriculture like corn and wheat. Andean Highlands: Volcanic soil, good for certain crops like potatoes and quinoa.

Soil Types in South America

Desert Agriculture (Dry Regions): Techniques like irrigation for crops like cactus fruit or quinoa. Rainforest Farming (Rainy Regions): Slash-and-burn farming and sustainable alternatives for cassava. Temperate Valleys (Balanced Regions): Corn, wheat, and soybeans thrive due to nutrient-rich loam. Question: What farming techniques might help mitigate challenges in nutrient-poor soils?

Agriculture and Adaptation

Farmers’ Choices: Adapting to Soil and Climate

Case Study: Corn in South America

Why Corn Thrives in Loamy Soil

Corn originated in the Americas and requires: Nutrient-Rich Soil: Loam is ideal because it has balanced air, water, and nutrients. Consistent Water Supply: Found in temperate and balanced climates like Argentina's Pampas.

Fertile loamy soil of the Pampas was naturally rich in nutrients, making it ideal for agriculture.

How Indigenous Cultures Used Soil in South America

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Amazon Basin: Indigenous groups created terra preta (black earth) by enriching poor rainforest soil with biochar, bones, and organic matter, making it highly fertile.

Andean Highlands: The Inca civilization built terraces to prevent soil erosion and grow crops like potatoes and quinoa on steep slopes.

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