Egyptian farmers were able to produce a food surplus due to several key factors:
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Nile River's Annual Flooding: The Nile River flooded each year, depositing nutrient-rich silt onto the surrounding land. This natural irrigation provided fertile soil, which was ideal for agriculture.
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Irrigation Techniques: Egyptians developed advanced irrigation systems, including canals and basins, to control water distribution. This allowed them to effectively manage water supply during dry seasons and maximize crop yields.
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Crop Diversity and Rotation: Farmers grew a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, and flax, which provided a more stable food supply and reduced the risk of total crop failure. Rotating crops helped maintain soil fertility.
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Organized Agricultural Practices: The agricultural system was well-organized through a centralized administration that oversaw land management, labor allocation, and storage of surplus food, ensuring that farmers could efficiently produce and store excess crops.
These factors combined allowed Egyptian farmers not only to meet their own needs but also to create a surplus that could support a growing population and contribute to the development of civilization.