How did the Sumerians increase food production? select two
1) Irrigation: The Sumerians developed an advanced system of irrigation to increase food production. They built canals and dikes to control the flow of water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and directed it to their fields. This allowed them to grow crops in areas that were otherwise arid and dry, significantly increasing their agricultural output.
2) Ploughing and Farming Techniques: The Sumerians introduced innovative farming techniques, such as the use of the plough, to increase food production. Ploughs were pulled by animals, which allowed for deeper and more efficient tilling of the soil. This made it easier to prepare fields for planting and increased the yield of crops. Additionally, the Sumerians practiced crop rotation and introduced better seed selection methods, which further contributed to enhanced food production.
The Sumerians employed several methods to increase food production. Two notable techniques are:
1. Irrigation: The Sumerians developed an intricate system of canals to irrigate their fields. They diverted water from nearby rivers such as the Tigris and Euphrates to ensure a consistent water supply for their crops. This allowed them to cultivate crops year-round and significantly increase agricultural output.
2. Use of the plow: The Sumerians invented the plow, a simple farming tool used to break up and turn over the soil. This innovation helped them till the land more efficiently, enabling them to plant a larger area and increase yields. The plow also paved the way for practices like crop rotation, which further improved soil fertility and productivity.