There are many misunderstandings about horticulturalists among people in the industrialized nations. Horticulturalists were assumed to be relatively unproductive and ignorant of soils and plant nutrients. Slash-burn field clearance practices were seen as being destructive of the environment. But actually, the knowledge and farming skills displayed by indigenous horticulturalists often has been surprisingly detailed and practical with regard to soils, plants, and cropping techniques. For example, studying the Hanunóo mountain people of Mindoro Island in the Philippines, ethnographer found out that they recognized 10 principle and 30 derivative soil categories. They also understood the suitability of each soil for their crops as well as the effects of erosion and over-farming. In a nutshell – their detailed knowledge was unexpected among horticulturalists. …
