The mesoamerican milpa system: Traditional practices, sustainability, biodiversity, and pest control

Abstract

The milpa system, an ancient Mesoamerican agricultural practice of intercropping, has sustained communities for centuries, providing food security and preserving biodiversity. Despite its agricultural significance, there exists a notable gap in understanding how this system preserves arthropod biodiversity and facilitates trophic interactions within the milpa community. This review aims to explore the milpa system, examining its historical significance, cultural importance, and ecological benefits and interactions, with a particular emphasis on conservation biological control. With a primary focus on Mexico, supplemented by examples from other countries in the Mesoamerican region, we cover the region that stands as the birthplace and cradle of milpa crop domestication. The review delves into the diversity of arthropods associated with common milpa crops, their roles in ecosystem functioning, and the implications for crop productivity and resilience. It also examines the potential of integrating traditional farming practices into modern agriculture to enhance beneficial interactions and mitigate potential pest pressures. By synthesizing current knowledge on arthropod ecology in the milpa system, this review provides insights that can help to promote sustainable agricultural practices rooted in indigenous knowledge and ecological principles.