How did slash and burn agriculture help the Maya overcome challenges in the natural world? Give the best answer choice, and explain.
Responses

It allowed them to plant level fields on steep hillsides.
It allowed them to plant level fields on steep hillsides.

It allowed them to completely clear fields of natural vegetation and fertilize the soil with ashes.
It allowed them to completely clear fields of natural vegetation and fertilize the soil with ashes.

It allowed them to dig ditches and canals to divert flood water.
It allowed them to dig ditches and canals to divert flood water.

It allowed them to irrigate their fields in the tropical lowlands.
The best answer choice is:
It allowed them to completely clear fields of natural vegetation and fertilize the soil with ashes.
Explanation: Slash and burn agriculture, also known as swidden farming, involved cutting down and burning trees and plants in a particular area to clear the land for cultivation. This process not only provided the Maya with fertile land for planting crops but also fertilized the soil with ashes from the burned vegetation. This helped them overcome challenges in the natural world by optimizing their agricultural productivity and ensuring a sustainable food supply. Additionally, the clearing of land allowed for more efficient land management and crop rotation practices.