Here’s how it typically works:
Land Clearing: Trees and plants are cut down and left to dry. This is often followed by burning the vegetation, which provides ash that acts as a temporary fertilizer.
Cultivation: Crops such as rice, maize, and vegetables are planted in the cleared area. The land is usually farmed for a few years, until the soil fertility decreases.
Abandonment: After the soil becomes depleted of nutrients, the area is abandoned, and the farmer moves to another plot.
Regrowth: The abandoned land is left to regenerate naturally, allowing vegetation to grow back over time, which restores the soil's fertility.
This practice is often seen in tropical rainforest areas, where the rich biodiversity helps in quick regeneration. However, overuse of this method can lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion, which makes it unsustainable in the long run if not properly managed.
Shifting cultivation is practiced by many indigenous communities around the world, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. However, modern agriculture and population pressures have led to a decline in the practice, with more intensive farming techniques being used instead.
