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Which of the following best describes the concept of 'shifting cultivation'?
  • a)
    A sustainable agriculture practice for long-term crop production
  • b)
    A method involving the alternation of crops and fallow periods
  • c)
    A practice of clearing forests for temporary agriculture
  • d)
    A technique for permanent agricultural land development
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Which of the following best describes the concept of shifting cultivat...
Shifting cultivation involves clearing forest land for temporary agriculture, then moving to a new area when the soil becomes less fertile.
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Most Upvoted Answer
Which of the following best describes the concept of shifting cultivat...
Understanding Shifting Cultivation
Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional farming practice primarily found in tropical rainforests. Here’s a detailed explanation of why option 'C' is the correct answer.
Definition of Shifting Cultivation
- Shifting cultivation involves the practice of clearing a forested area by cutting and burning vegetation to create temporary agricultural land.
- The cleared land is utilized for crop production for a few years until soil fertility declines.
Process of Shifting Cultivation
- Farmers select a plot of land, clear it by cutting down trees and burning the remaining vegetation.
- This process enriches the soil with nutrients from the ash, allowing for initial high crop yields.
Temporary Nature
- After a few years of cultivation, the soil becomes less fertile due to nutrient depletion.
- Farmers then abandon the plot and move to a new area, allowing the previous field to regenerate naturally over time.
Environmental Impact
- While shifting cultivation can be sustainable in low population densities, it poses environmental challenges when practiced intensively, leading to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
Conclusion
- Therefore, option 'C' accurately describes shifting cultivation as a practice of clearing forests for temporary agriculture, emphasizing its temporary nature and the cyclical movement of farming activities.
- This distinguishes it from sustainable practices or permanent agricultural techniques, making it a unique agricultural approach.
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Which of the following best describes the concept of shifting cultivation?a)A sustainable agriculture practice for long-term crop productionb)A method involving the alternation of crops and fallow periodsc)A practice of clearing forests for temporary agricultured)A technique for permanent agricultural land developmentCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following best describes the concept of shifting cultivation?a)A sustainable agriculture practice for long-term crop productionb)A method involving the alternation of crops and fallow periodsc)A practice of clearing forests for temporary agricultured)A technique for permanent agricultural land developmentCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following best describes the concept of shifting cultivation?a)A sustainable agriculture practice for long-term crop productionb)A method involving the alternation of crops and fallow periodsc)A practice of clearing forests for temporary agricultured)A technique for permanent agricultural land developmentCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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