Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
The chinampas at Xochimilco rely on integrated nutrient management from lake sediment, aquatic plants, crop and livestock residues. Sediment from the canals and aquatic plants, mainly water hyacinth, along with cattle manure are the main nutrient sources for crops, as they are rich in organic matter.
Merlín-Uribe, Yair, et al. “Environmental and Socio-Economic Sustainability of Chinampas (Raised Beds) in Xochimilco, Mexico City.” International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability; London, vol. 11, no. 3, 2013, pp. 216–33, http://search.proquest.com/docview/1468415920/abstract/7334AE807B8D4FB8PQ/1.
