How was it possible for the mesa people to grow corn in the desert?

The Mesa people, particularly the Ancestral Puebloans, utilized advanced agricultural techniques to grow corn in the arid desert environment. They built terraces and check dams to capture and conserve water, and practiced dry farming, which involved planting crops in a way that maximized moisture retention. Additionally, they developed irrigation systems to channel water from nearby rivers and streams to their fields. These innovative methods allowed them to cultivate corn and other crops despite the harsh conditions.