1. Major Agricultural Hearth in Brazil:
- The Amazon Rainforest region is considered a significant agricultural hearth in Brazil. The cultivation of various crops, including indigenous plants like cassava and maize, has been practiced by indigenous communities in this region for thousands of years.
2. Earliest Crops and Livestock in Brazil:
- Crops: Indigenous crops that originated in Brazil include cassava, maize (corn), sweet potatoes, and various types of beans. These crops have been cultivated by indigenous communities for centuries.
- Livestock: The introduction of livestock to Brazil was part of the European colonization. The Portuguese brought cattle to Brazil during the colonial period, and cattle ranching became a significant economic activity.
3. Diffusion of Agriculture in Brazil:
- Indigenous Practices: Before European contact, indigenous communities in Brazil practiced agriculture using local and traditional methods. They cultivated crops suited to their ecosystems, such as manioc (cassava), maize, and various fruits.
- European Colonization: With the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, European farming practices were introduced. The Portuguese established large plantations for crops like sugarcane and introduced European livestock, particularly cattle.
- African Influence: The transatlantic slave trade brought Africans to Brazil, and their agricultural knowledge and practices also influenced Brazilian agriculture. They played a significant role in the cultivation of crops like rice and in the development of agricultural techniques.