What is slash-and-burn agriculture?

Slash-and-burn agriculture is a form of shifting cultivation where farmers cut down and burn vegetation in a forest or woodland to create a cleared area, known as a swidden, for farming. This process clears land and prepares it for cultivation.

What are the initial steps involved in the slash-and-burn process?

The process begins by cutting down trees and woody plants in a specific area. The resulting vegetation, or "slash," is then left to dry, typically in preparation for the rainiest part of the year.

How does the burning phase of slash-and-burn agriculture benefit the soil?

After the vegetation dries, it is burned, which creates a nutrient-rich layer of ash. This ash fertilizes the soil, significantly enhancing its fertility for planting crops.

Beyond fertilizing the soil, what other immediate benefit does burning provide in slash-and-burn farming?

The burning of the vegetation not only enriches the soil with ash but also serves to temporarily eliminate weed and pest species from the cleared field.

For approximately how long does a slash-and-burn field typically remain productive?

A field cultivated using the slash-and-burn method is generally productive for about three to five years. After this period, its productivity declines due to the depletion of nutrients and the invasion of weeds and pests.

What action do farmers take when a slash-and-burn field becomes less productive?

When a field's productivity decreases, farmers typically abandon it and move to a new area. There, they clear and burn a fresh plot of land to begin the cultivation cycle anew.

What is the typical recovery period for a swidden before it can be used again for slash-and-burn agriculture?

The time it takes for a swidden to recover its fertility can vary greatly depending on the location. It can range from as little as five years to more than twenty years before the land is suitable for slashing and burning again.

What are the alternative names for slash-and-burn agriculture used in Bangladesh and India?

In Bangladesh and India, the practice of slash-and-burn agriculture is commonly known as jhum or jhoom.

What is the estimated global population that practices slash-and-burn agriculture?

Roughly 200 to 300 million people worldwide are estimated to use slash-and-burn agriculture as their farming method.

What are the primary environmental consequences associated with slash-and-burn agriculture?

Slash-and-burn agriculture is a significant cause of deforestation and habitat loss. The burning process also contributes to the release of carbon into the atmosphere, impacting the Earth's carbon reservoirs.

How did slash-and-burn agriculture play a role during the Neolithic Revolution?

During the Neolithic Revolution, as humans transitioned to agriculture, slash-and-burn was widely adopted by groups living in forested areas. It provided a method to clear land for cultivating domesticated plants and animals.

What was the historical use of fire by hunter-gatherers before the advent of agriculture?

Before agriculture was developed, hunter-gatherers used fire for various purposes, including creating clearings that encouraged new plant growth beneficial to game animals and promoted the proliferation of certain edible plants.

How was land typically managed and owned in traditional slash-and-burn systems?

In traditional slash-and-burn systems, families usually held ownership rights to a cleared field until its productivity declined. They would then abandon the land and claim usufructuary rights (the right to use and benefit from the land) in a new area. Land was generally not bought or sold on the open market, with rights being based on tradition.

What tools were commonly employed in historical slash-and-burn farming practices?

Historically, farmers utilized simple tools for slash-and-burn agriculture, including machetes, axes, hoes, and shovels.

What are the benefits of slash-and-burn agriculture for both human populations and biodiversity?

This agricultural system provides food and income for millions of people. When practiced traditionally, it can be ecologically sustainable and contributes to biodiversity by creating varied mosaic habitats within ecosystems.

Why is slash-and-burn agriculture considered a suitable method in regions with poor soil quality, such as the Amazon?

In areas like the Amazon, where soils are often nutritionally poor, slash-and-burn is considered one of the few viable agricultural methods because the ash produced provides essential nutrients for crop growth.

What makes slash-and-burn agriculture generally unsuitable for the production of cash crops?

Slash-and-burn is not ideal for cash crops because it requires a substantial amount of land or a low population density to remain sustainable. Cash crops often need more intensive and continuous cultivation methods.

What is the consequence of practicing slash-and-burn agriculture too frequently in the same area?

If slash-and-burn is performed too often in the same location, often due to increased population density, it can lead to the eventual destruction of the forest ecosystem.

What is the practice known as in northeastern India and Bangladesh?

In the northeastern Indian states and certain Bangladeshi districts, slash-and-burn agriculture is referred to as podu, jhum, or jhoom cultivation.

What types of crops are typically cultivated in jhum cultivation?

Farmers practicing jhum cultivation commonly plant economically significant crops such as upland rice, various vegetables, and fruits.

What is a potential negative consequence of cutting treetops in jhum cultivation?

While cutting treetops allows sunlight to reach the land for crop growth, it can also leave the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion.

What policy has the government of Mizoram implemented concerning jhum cultivation?

After evaluating the impacts of jhum cultivation, the government of Mizoram has introduced a policy aimed at ending the practice within the state.

Which ethnic groups in Vietnam utilize slash-and-burn agriculture?

Certain ethnic groups in Vietnam, particularly those living in rural communities away from major cities, continue to regularly practice slash-and-burn agriculture as an integral part of their daily lives.

Which ancient civilization in the Americas is noted for using slash-and-burn cultivation?

The Maya civilization is recognized as one of the ancient American civilizations that has employed slash-and-burn cultivation since historical times.

How did Native Americans historically use fire in their practices?

Native Americans in the United States utilized fire not only for agricultural purposes but also as a tool in their hunting practices.

Why do indigenous groups like the Yanomami in the Amazon rely on slash-and-burn methods?

Groups such as the Yanomami Indians in the Amazon region depend on slash-and-burn methods primarily because the soil quality in the Amazon basin is generally poor.

What is the Swedish term for slash-and-burn agriculture?

The Swedish term for slash-and-burn agriculture is *svedjebruk*.

How did Finnish settlers contribute to the practice of *svedjebruk* in Sweden?

In the 16th century, Finnish settlers were encouraged by King Gustav Vasa to migrate to Sweden, and they brought the practice of *svedjebruk* with them, aiding in its spread and adoption.

What is the historical origin of *svedjebruk*, and how did it reach Norway?

*Svedjebruk* originated in the Novgorod region of Russia and later spread to eastern Norway, specifically the area known as Finnskogen, via Finnish refugees fleeing persecution.

What is the significance of the Telkkämäki Nature Reserve in Finland?

Telkkämäki Nature Reserve in Finland serves as an open-air museum that demonstrates slash-and-burn agriculture, showcasing historical farming techniques used since the 15th century.

What crops were typically planted in the second and third years of a *svedjebruk* field?

Following the initial crop, usually rye, fields cultivated through *svedjebruk* were typically sown with turnips or cabbages in their second and third years.

What were the essential tools for *svedjebruk* farming?

The primary tools required for *svedjebruk* farming were the axe, used for felling trees, and the sickle, used for harvesting crops in areas with rocks and stumps where larger tools would be ineffective.

What was the necessary regrowth period for *svedjebruk* to be considered sustainable?

For *svedjebruk* to be sustainable, it was crucial to allow the previously cleared fields to regrow with forest for a period of 10 to 30 years before the cycle of clearing and burning was repeated.

How did population growth and subsequent restrictions impact *svedjebruk* farmers?

As populations increased and regulations were imposed on forest burning, *svedjebruk* farmers faced growing difficulties in continuing their traditional agricultural practices.

What alternative method involving charcoal has been proposed to improve slash-and-burn yields?

The method known as "slash-and-char" has been proposed as a way to boost yields. It involves burning vegetation incompletely and then plowing the resulting charcoal into the soil.

What is 'Inga alley cropping,' and how is it suggested to reduce slash-and-burn practices?

'Inga alley cropping' is a proposed technique where farmers cultivate crops like black pepper, turmeric, and citrus between rows of *Inga* trees. This method is suggested as an alternative to reduce reliance on slash-and-burn cultivation.

What is the purpose of planting leguminous shrubs in the 'slash-and-cover' method?

In the 'slash-and-cover' method, leguminous shrubs are planted to function as a fallow crop. This aims to enrich the soil and improve yields in cultivation systems that follow traditional practices.

What are the primary alternatives promoted by developmental and environmentalist organizations for slash-and-burn farmers?

These organizations often encourage farmers to transition to more intensive, permanent farming methods or to shift from agriculture to higher-paying industries altogether, as alternatives to slash-and-burn.

What does the image from Chiang Mai, Thailand, illustrate?

The image from Chiang Mai, Thailand, provides a visual example of slash-and-burn agriculture in practice.

What does the image from Maaninka, Finland, depict regarding agricultural practices?

The image from Maaninka, Finland, illustrates slash-and-burn agriculture, specifically the practice known as *svedjebruk*, as it was carried out in the 1920s.

What environmental threat do lemurs in Madagascar face due to agricultural practices?

Lemurs in Madagascar's dry deciduous forests are threatened by deforestation, which is often driven by the creation of farmland and pasture, a process linked to slash-and-burn methods.

What does the image from Arunachal Pradesh, India, show in relation to agriculture?

The image from Arunachal Pradesh, India, captures a fire associated with jhum, a regional form of slash-and-burn agriculture.

What is the purpose of the 'See also' section in the article?

The 'See also' section lists related topics and events, such as haze incidents and wildfires, which are often connected to or exacerbated by slash-and-burn agricultural practices.

What is the function of the 'General literature' section?

The 'General literature' section provides citations to various academic and historical sources that offer in-depth information and research on slash-and-burn agriculture and related subjects.

What information does the 'Authority control' section provide about slash-and-burn agriculture?

The 'Authority control' section offers links to national and international databases, confirming that slash-and-burn agriculture is a recognized and documented subject with established references in library and archival systems.

What is the fundamental principle of shifting cultivation, of which slash-and-burn is a type?

The core principle of shifting cultivation is that farmers periodically move from one area of land to another for cultivation, rather than continuously farming the same plot.

Besides nutrient depletion, what other soil-related issue can arise from slash-and-burn practices?

Beyond depleting soil nutrients, the removal of vegetation cover in slash-and-burn can leave the soil vulnerable to erosion.

How did the migration of Finnish settlers influence the practice of *svedjebruk*?

Finnish settlers migrating to Sweden in the 16th century were instrumental in spreading the practice of *svedjebruk*, introducing it to new regions and integrating it into local agricultural traditions.

What historical circumstances led Norwegian authorities to consider expelling Finnish settlers involved in *svedjebruk*?

In 1710, during a period of conflict with Sweden, Norwegian authorities contemplated expelling Finnish settlers practicing *svedjebruk* from the border region due to concerns about their loyalty.

What is the primary argument presented by developmental organizations against slash-and-burn agriculture?

Developmental and environmentalist organizations often argue that slash-and-burn agriculture is unsustainable, particularly in the face of growing populations, leading to significant environmental degradation such as deforestation.

What role do *Inga* trees play in the proposed 'Inga alley cropping' method?

In 'Inga alley cropping,' *Inga* trees are planted to create alleys, between which other crops are grown. This system is proposed as a sustainable alternative to traditional slash-and-burn agriculture.

Slash-and-burn Agriculture Wiki: Terra Ignis: The Agricultural Dance of Slash and Burn

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

What is Slash-and-Burn?

The Core Practice

Slash-and-burn agriculture is a form of shifting cultivation. It involves the cutting and burning of vegetation in a forest or woodland to create a field, known as a swidden. This process begins by clearing trees and woody plants, leaving the felled vegetation to dry. Typically, this occurs before the rainiest season, allowing the dried biomass to be burned. The resulting ash is rich in nutrients, fertilizing the soil and temporarily suppressing weed and pest populations.

The Cycle of Cultivation

After approximately three to five years, the productivity of a swidden typically declines due to nutrient depletion and the resurgence of weeds and pests. Farmers then abandon the field, allowing it to recover. The recovery period varies significantly by location, ranging from five years to over two decades, after which the cycle of clearing, burning, and cultivation can recommence.

Regional Nomenclature

This agricultural system is practiced globally, with different names in various regions. In Bangladesh and India, for instance, the practice is commonly referred to as jhum or jhoom cultivation. This highlights the diverse cultural adaptations and terminology associated with this ancient farming method.

Historical Context

Ancient Origins

Slash-and-burn cultivation has been practiced across the globe for millennia. Even before the advent of agriculture, hunter-gatherer societies utilized fire for land management, clearing areas to promote the growth of edible plants and to create new grazing grounds for game animals. During the Neolithic Revolution, as communities transitioned to settled agriculture, slash-and-burn became essential for clearing forested lands for crops and livestock, particularly in regions where forests dominated the landscape.

European Prehistory

In prehistoric Europe, slash-and-burn was a common practice among nomadic and semi-nomadic groups. Extended families would clear and cultivate swidden plots sequentially, moving to new areas as soil fertility diminished. This method allowed for the efficient utilization of forest resources for sustenance, forming a cornerstone of early agricultural societies.

The Methodical Process

Land Preparation

The process typically begins months before the dry season. Forests are cut down, and the resulting vegetation, or "slash," is left to dry. This dried material is then burned during the dry season, creating a layer of nutrient-rich ash.

Cultivation and Fertility

The ash-laden soil is then planted, usually at the onset of the next rainy season. Crops such as rice, maize, or cassava are commonly grown. The ash provides essential nutrients, and the burning process helps to eliminate weeds and pests. This method was historically performed using simple tools like machetes, axes, hoes, and shovels.

Land Use and Abandonment

Swidden plots are typically used by a family until the soil's fertility is exhausted, usually within three to five years. Ownership rights are then often abandoned, allowing the land to regenerate into forest. This cycle necessitates access to substantial land areas or a low population density to remain sustainable.

Ecological and Societal Implications

Sustainable Aspects

For millennia, slash-and-burn agriculture has provided millions with sustenance and income, often proving ecologically sustainable in areas with low population density. Its suitability for nutrient-poor tropical soils, such as those found in the Amazon basin, makes it one of the few viable agricultural methods in such environments. The practice, when traditional, often fosters biodiversity by creating mosaic habitats rather than large-scale monocultures.

Environmental Concerns

However, the sustainability of slash-and-burn is highly dependent on population density and the frequency of land use. Increased populations accelerate the rate of deforestation and habitat loss. When practiced too frequently, it depletes soil nutrients, increases vulnerability to erosion, and contributes to the loss of vital carbon reservoirs. It is also generally considered unsuitable for the large-scale production of cash crops.

Regional Practices

Asia

In the northeastern Indian states of Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland, as well as in the Bangladeshi districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari, Bandarban, and Sylhet, this practice is known as jhum or podu cultivation. It is often performed on forested slopes, with cleared treetops allowing sunlight to reach the land. While beneficial for soil fertilization, it can increase erosion risk. Vietnam also sees its use among rural ethnic communities.

Americas

Ancient civilizations like the Maya utilized slash-and-burn techniques. Indigenous peoples across North and South America also employed fire in their agricultural and hunting practices. In the Amazon basin, communities such as the Yanomami rely on this method due to the region's inherently poor soil quality.

Northern Europe

In Sweden, the practice is known as svedjebruk, originating from Russian techniques and spreading with Finnish migration in the 16th century. It was also adopted in Norway and brought to New Sweden in North America, becoming integral to pioneering efforts there. Finland's Telkkämäki Nature Reserve demonstrates this historical farming method.

Modern Perspectives and Alternatives

Proposed Innovations

Contemporary approaches often seek to mitigate the environmental impacts of slash-and-burn. Methods like slash-and-char, which involves partially burning vegetation and incorporating the charcoal into the soil, are proposed to enhance yields and soil carbon. Projects like 'Inga alley cropping' suggest planting crops such as beans and citrus between Inga trees to improve soil fertility and reduce the need for frequent clearing.

Discouragement and Alternatives

Many development and environmental organizations advocate for transitioning away from slash-and-burn. Recommended alternatives include adopting more intensive, permanent farming methods or encouraging shifts towards higher-paying industries. Other initiatives focus on improving the productivity of existing practices through enhanced techniques and support for farmers.

Key Scholarly Works

Foundational Texts

Several scholarly works provide critical insights into slash-and-burn agriculture:

Conklin, H. C. (1961). "The Study of Shifting Cultivation". Current Anthropology.
Nesholen, Birger (1994). "Svedjebrukerne", Østlandske Skogsområder.
Pyne, Stephen J. (1997). Vestal Fire: An Environmental History, Told Through Fire, of Europe and Europe's Encounter with the World.
Sawyer, Birgit; Sawyer, Peter H. (1993). Medieval Scandinavia: from Conversion to Reformation, Circa 800–1500.
Stagg, Frank Noel (1956). East Norway and Its Frontier.

Source Citations

Reference List

Britannica, Encyclopaedia. "Slash-and-burn agriculture". Encyclopaedia Britannica. 22 May 2024.
EcoLogic Development Fund. "Slash and Burn Agriculture". ecologic.org.
Islam, Md Shahidul. "Jhum". In Sirajul Islam and Ahmed A. Jamal (ed.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. 2012.
Choudhury, Sanjoy. "Jhum". Geography and You. March–April 2010.
Disha Experts. 1500+ MCQs with Explanatory Notes For Geography, Ecology & Environment. Disha Publications. 2018.
Skegg, Martin. "TV highlights 27/09/2011". The Guardian. 24 September 2011.
Hands, Michael. "The search for a sustainable alternative to slash-and-burn agriculture in the World's rain forests: the Guama Model and its implementation". Royal Society Open Science. 8 (2) rsos.201204. 2021.
Geography.about.com. "Slash and Burn Agriculture – An Overview of Slash and Burn". Archived from the original on 2013-12-05. Retrieved 2013-06-22.
Kukla, Jaroslav; Whitfeld, Timothy; Cajthaml, Tomáš; Baldrian, Petr; Veselá-Šimáčková, Hana; Novotný, Vojtěch; Frouz, Jan. "The effect of traditional slash-and-burn agriculture on soil organic matter, nutrient content, and microbiota in tropical ecosystems of Papua New Guinea". Land Degradation & Development. 30 (2): 166–177. 2019.
Awe, Jaime. Maya Cities and Sacred Caves. Cu bola Books. 2006.
Clark J.G.D. Farming: Clearance and Cultivation II Prehistoric Europe: The Economic Basis. Cambridge. 1952.
University of Georgia Libraries. "Best Management Practices for Wood Ash as Agricultural Soil Amendment". athenaeum.libs.uga.edu.
EcoLogic Development Fund. "Slash and Burn Agriculture | EcoLogic Development Fund". www.ecologic.org. Retrieved 2018-01-10.
Banglapedia. "Jhum". banglapedia.org.
TI Trade. "The Assam Tribune Online". Assamtribune.com. 2011-01-17. Retrieved 2013-06-22.
Huy, Nguyêñ Văn. The Cultural Mosaic Of Ethnic Groups In Vietnam. Education Publishing House. 2001.
Pyne, Stephen J. (1997). Vestal Fire: An Environmental History, Told Through Fire, of Europe and Europe's Encounter with the World.
Owl, M. Y. "Yanomamo ecology, population control, and their relationship to slash and burn agriculture". California Anthropologist. 6 (2): 6–20. 1976.
Northern Bush. "Sviðna, Svedjebruk and Slash & Burn cultivation | Northern Bush". Retrieved 2020-10-12.
Outdoors.fi. "Telkkämäki Nature Reserve". 2013-05-14. Archived from the original on 2013-07-17. Retrieved 2013-06-22.
YouTube. Video on the procedure.
Biederman, L. A. "Biochar and its effects on plant productivity and nutrient cycling: a meta-analysis". GCB Bioenergy. 5 (2): 202–214. 2012.
Elkan, Daniel. "Fired with ambition". The Guardian. 21 April 2004.
ECHOcommunity. "Inga Alley Cropping". Retrieved 2024-11-11.
Kettler, . S. "Fallow enrichment of a traditional slash/mulch system in southern Costa Rica: comparisons of biomass production and crop yield". Agroforestry Systems. 35 (2): 165–176. 1996.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Slash-and-burn Agriculture" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about slash-and-burn_agriculture while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

blaise pascal

78th british academy film awards

References

Clark J.G.D., 1952, Farming: Clearance and Cultivation II Prehistoric Europe: The Economic Basis, pg.s 91â107, Cambridge.

Video on the procedure. In: YouTube

A full list of references for this article are available at the Slash-and-burn agriculture Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not agricultural or environmental advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding sustainable land management, agricultural practices, or environmental impact assessments. Always consult with qualified experts for specific guidance related to your needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Terra Ignis

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is Slash-and-Burn? ❓

🔥 The Core Practice

🔄 The Cycle of Cultivation

🌍 Regional Nomenclature

Historical Context ⏳

🏛️ Ancient Origins

📜 European Prehistory

The Methodical Process 🛠️

🌳 Land Preparation

🌱 Cultivation and Fertility

⏳ Land Use and Abandonment

Ecological and Societal Implications ⚖️

✅ Sustainable Aspects

⚠️ Environmental Concerns

Regional Practices 🌍

🌏 Asia

🌎 Americas

❄️ Northern Europe

Modern Perspectives and Alternatives 🔬

💡 Proposed Innovations

📉 Discouragement and Alternatives

Key Scholarly Works 📚

📖 Foundational Texts

Source Citations 📝

📜 Reference List

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is Slash-and-Burn?

The Core Practice

The Cycle of Cultivation

Regional Nomenclature

Historical Context

Ancient Origins

European Prehistory

The Methodical Process

Land Preparation

Cultivation and Fertility

Land Use and Abandonment

Ecological and Societal Implications

Sustainable Aspects

Environmental Concerns

Regional Practices

Asia

Americas

Northern Europe

Modern Perspectives and Alternatives

Proposed Innovations

Discouragement and Alternatives

Key Scholarly Works

Foundational Texts

Source Citations

Reference List

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice