Slash-and-burn agriculture has been used in Central America and Mexico for thousands of years. But today, with more people than ever trying to survive in the midst of dwindling natural resources, its impact is particularly destructive and unsustainable.
There are many problems that result from this method of growing crops, including deforestation, a direct consequence of cutting down forests for crop land; loss of habitat and species; an increase in air pollution and the release of carbon into the atmosphere—which contributes to global climate change; and an increase in accidental fires. EcoLogic helps local people adopt sustainable methods of agriculture, including alley-cropping, an agroforestry technique where people plant food crops alongside trees.
We also promote planting a diversity of food crops, the creation of buffer zones of native trees around existing forests, and the reclamation of degraded land through reforestation and other practices.
Today, with more people than ever trying to survive in the midst of dwindling natural resources, the impact of slash-and-burn is particularly destructive and unsustainable. When vegetation has grown again, the slash and burn process may be repeated. Slash and burn agriculture is most often practiced in places where open land for farming is not readily available because of dense vegetation. Such farming is typically done within grasslands and rainforests.
Slash and burn is a method of agriculture primarily used by tribal communities for subsistence farming farming to survive. Humans have practiced this method for about 12, years, ever since the transition known as the Neolithic Revolution—the time when humans stopped hunting and gathering and started to stay put and grow crops.
When done properly, slash and burn agriculture provides communities with a source of food and income. Slash and burn allows people to farm in places where it usually is not possible because of dense vegetation, soil infertility, low soil nutrient content, uncontrollable pests, or other reasons.
Many critics claim that slash and burn agriculture contributes to a number of persistent environmental problems. They include:. The negative aspects above are interconnected, and when one happens, typically another happens also. These issues may come about because of irresponsible practices of slash and burn agriculture by large numbers of people. Knowledge of the ecosystem of the area and agricultural skills may provide ways to practice slash and burn agriculture in restorative, sustainable ways.
Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. This allows the crops to absorb the new-found nutrition from the soil Farmers conduct cultivation on the new plot for a few years until the soil has lost all its fertility. Slash and Burn Farming: The Positive and Negative Aspects The following are some of the positives of slash and burn agriculture: It allows farming to be conducted in regions that is normally not associated with this practice It helps to temporarily boost the fertility of a region It provides communities with a source of income and food during uncertain times The following are some negatives associated with the slash and burn agriculture method: If this practice is utilized by larger communities, it can lead to deforestation on a large scale After the fields of a region are slashed and burned for the sake of cultivation, it leads to depletion in the water table and eventually causes soil erosion as well It leads to a loss of biodiversity in a region.
Numerous plants and animals are dependent on the natural vegetation of their ecosystem. When this vegetation is burnt down, the ecosystem suffers greatly The Phoenix Method Much like a phoenix rising from its own ashes, a plot of land has tremendous capacity for resurgence. Recent stories Recent stories November 8, October 30, October 18, October 7, September 28, Subscribe to our newsletter. Privacy Policy Terms of Use Sitemap. Media Contact Special content. Follow us on. Your interests:.
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