These early farmers cultivated a diverse range of crops long before the arrival of Europeans, including species that are now largely unknown as crops, such as little barley, maygrass, sumpweed, goosefoot, and knotweed. While these plants are often considered weeds today, they were once essential components of a vibrant agricultural landscape that balanced food production with biodiversity.
Mueller's recent paper in Phil. Trans. B argues that these "sleeping" crops-so called in recognition of their potential for revival-could be vital in modern farming systems. The term "sleeping" crops, as Mueller notes, was inspired by conversations with members of the St. Louis Native American Women's Care Circle, who highlighted that the term "lost crops" carries problematic connotations, suggesting extinction rather than dormancy.
The ancient agricultural systems of eastern North America were more complex than previously understood, encompassing not only these annual crops but also managed perennial plants in forests, wetlands, and prairies. This integrated approach allowed early Indigenous farmers to produce food without severely disrupting local ecosystems-a balance that modern agriculture often struggles to achieve.
As climate change intensifies, these ancient crops may offer a sustainable alternative to conventional, high-input crops like corn and soy, particularly in flood-prone areas of the Midwest where traditional farming faces increasing challenges. Mueller's lab is contributing to this effort by maintaining a seed bank of these crops, sharing seeds with educational institutions, Indigenous farmers, and students, and developing cultivation guides.
Research Report:The sleeping crops of eastern North America: a new synthesis
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