In traditional Navajo agriculture, one main point is the three-sister and four-sister technique. These involved planting different types of crops in close proximity. The three-sister technique is more broad than just Navajo, being used by many different Native American tribes. It involves planting corn, pole beans, and winter squash together. The four-sister technique is specific to Navajo and adds an extra crop to the mix. The crop depends on the region. For example, in the region of Black Mesa, tobacco was added [1]. It would have been unknown at the time, but the use of these three crops together helped with soil health as legumes bring Nitrogen into the soil.
Crops were planted in a spiral layout called the Ha’oolmaz. Traditionally, as the seeds were sown, the farmer would sing the song “In the Field of the Home God,” commemorating the growth of corn, and the journey of beans and squash [2]. The song highlights the water coming in from the “dark clouds.” The farmers would observe the Dilyehe, the Greek constellation “Pleiades,” and start sowing once the constellation disappeared from the sky.
Very few current farmers still use traditional techniques. For example, some still soak the kernels in water and greasewood plant leaves, which encourages the seeds to grow better and be drought resistant.
Historically, irrigation was sometimes done through canals [1]. These canals were difficult to maintain and fell out of use. Some areas with little access to water would rely on rain and snow [2].
The Diné did not only rely on crops they grew, but also herded, hunted and gathered for food [3].
Works Cited:
[1] Francis, B. (2022). [Personal communication].
[2] Norrell, B. (2004, July 1). Traditional Navajo Farming Songs of Corn and Life. Www.senaa.org; Indian Country Today. http://www.senaa.org/culture/traditionalfarmingsongs.htm
[3] Duke, W. (2020). Rediscovering Navajo Indigenous Agricultural Wisdom. In www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf3M-YkJrh0&ab_channel=WFPCDuke