A traditional agricultural technique involves clearing land for cultivation by cutting down and burning vegetation. The resulting ash provides a temporary source of nutrients for crops. This method is often practiced in tropical regions, particularly in areas with nutrient-poor soils, as a means of creating arable land for farming. For example, communities in the Amazon rainforest may employ this practice to grow crops like corn, beans, and cassava.
This farming system has historically allowed small-scale farmers to sustain themselves by using land that would otherwise be unproductive. The practice, when implemented on a small scale and with long fallow periods, can be relatively sustainable, allowing the forest to regenerate and the soil to recover its fertility. However, increased population pressure and deforestation have led to shortened fallow periods, resulting in soil degradation and environmental concerns, including habitat loss and increased carbon emissions.
