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How did Nebuchadnezzar II use canals to increase the fertility of Babylonia?

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Reconstructed Ishtar Gate at Babylon near Al-Hillah, Iraq, featuring blue walls decorated with rows of yellow and white animal reliefs and a central arched entrance. — Babylon A reconstruction of the Ishtar Gate at the ruins of Babylon, near modern Al-Ḥillah, Iraq.

Nebuchadnezzar II increased the fertility of Babylonia by focusing on the maintenance and expansion of the region's vital water infrastructure. During his reign, he oversaw the imperial maintenance of existing canal systems and directed the construction of many supplementary canals.12

These efforts were part of a broader period of economic consolidation that allowed the business class to thrive, particularly in the management of agriculture surrounding urban areas. By improving the irrigation network, Nebuchadnezzar II helped support the increased cultivation of cereal grains, vegetables, and dates, which contributed to making Babylonia one of the wealthiest lands in western Asia.12

While these irrigation projects were essential for agricultural productivity, it is important to note that the long-term reliance on such systems in Mesopotamia often led to challenges with soil salinization, as the evaporation of irrigation water caused mineral residues to accumulate in the soil, eventually reducing crop yields over time.34