This agricultural technique involves clearing land for cultivation by cutting down and burning vegetation. The resulting ash provides a short-term layer of nutrients to the soil, enabling crop growth. This method is often practiced in tropical regions with dense forests where soil fertility is naturally low. A common example is seen in the Amazon rainforest, where sections of forest are cleared to create farmland.
Historically, this agricultural practice has been a sustainable approach when practiced on a small scale with long fallow periods, allowing the forest to regenerate and the soil to replenish. However, with increasing population pressure and demand for agricultural land, this method has become unsustainable in many regions. This can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and significant contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, impacting global climate patterns.
