companion planting where different varieties of corn, bean and squash are planted closely

together. This often entails building a mound with the soil and planting the three types of

plants together as a cluster on the mound (or on several different mounds). This type of

agriculture was and is used by many agriculture-oriented Indian communities throughout

the U.S. in various ecosystems (arid to deciduous forest). Some communities make

modifications with irrigation methods to adapt to different climate regions. The use of

these three food crops has historically carried cultural and religious significance for many

Indian agricultural communities. This is especially true for those who have relied upon

these crops as their major source of food resources.

 Three-sisters farming was historically traditional agricultural practices (TAP) used

by the Cherokee. However, as discussed above, it is difficult to define traditional

agriculture today within the context of specific practices due to adaptations over time.

For the purpose of the study, traditional agricultural practices are measured by what I

perceive them to not be, in contrast to practices that have developed in the post WWII

period. These conventional agricultural practices are clearly identifiable. I therefore

defined conventional agricultural practices and allowed study participants to reply to all

questions based on the individual's definition of TAP.

 Conventional agriculture grew out of the "Green Revolution." The Green

Revolution started in 1960's. The technological products and advancements that arose

from this revolution are used today by many farmers. They changed how most

agricultural production systems function. An agricultural production system that

primarily uses some or all components of the Green Revolution's technological

introductions is now considered a conventional agricultural production system.

Innovations associated with conventional agriculture include the mechanization or the