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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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.