Waru Waru

Waru waru is an ancient practice of the ancestors of the Tiahuanaco culture, which was located in the highlands between Bolivia and Peru, above 4000 m above sea level. It consists of an agricultural infrastructure that modifies the relief of the terrain by building raised embankments on the original surface, inserting channels to form the embankments, thereby achieving the interaction of the elements soil - water - climate - plant - man. It is especially used in areas with restrictions for agriculture, due to poor drainage, temporary flooding problems, frequent frosts and low potential for agricultural activity. The embankments are generally 4 to 10 m wide by 10 to 100 m long, and 0.5 to 1 m high. They are built with the earth excavated from the channels and have a similar size and depth, to form a platform or "bed" surrounded by water where planting is done. This water around the waru waru creates a microclimate that mitigates the effect of frost, making it possible for crops to develop. The water in the canals, which absorbs the sun's heat during the day and radiates at night, helps protect crops from frost. The more fields are cultivated in this way, the greater the effect on the environment. The sediments in the canals contain nitrogen-rich algae and plant and animal remains, which are then used as a source of nutrients for crops, improving agricultural yield in the highland area.