Intercropping is growing two or more crops on the same plot of land simultaneously. ![]() ![]() In shifting cultivation a wide variety of crops are grown, sometimes up to 35, on one plot of land in a process known as intercropping. Therefore less carbon dioxide is being released into the atmosphere compared to plantation agriculture, permanent planting of seasonal crops or other activities such as logging. In fact, it has been posited that these systems are excellent at carbon sequestration. Some researchers have argued that the above scenario is not necessarily true and that shifting cultivation does not contribute to global warming. Therefore, the net emission of carbon dioxide contributes to global warming and ultimately climate change. Unfortunately, the system is not usually in equilibrium because of either the shortening of the fallow period or the utilisation of the plot for another type of land use instead of leaving it in fallow, among other reasons. If the shifting cultivation system is in equilibrium, the released carbon dioxide should be re-absorbed by the regenerated vegetation when the land is left fallow. Shifting cultivation and climate changeīurning biomass to clear the land in this agrosystem results in releasing carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere. In sub-Saharan Africa, however, there is a distinct dry season with 1-2 months of low rainfall. The rainfall in the Amazon basin in South America is more or less consistent throughout the year. In addition, these areas typically have high levels of rainfall and year-round humidity. Human labour is one of the main inputs of shifting cultivation, and the cultivators use elementary farming tools such as hoes or sticks.The abandoned plots remain fallow for extended periods of time.In shifting cultivation, there is no individual ownership of plots however, cultivators have ties to the abandoned areas.The selection of locations for cultivation is not made on an ad hoc basis, but rather plots are carefully selected.The plots utilised in shifting cultivation typically regenerate more easily and quickly than other forest clearings.Shifting cultivators live both in and from the forest therefore, they usually also practice hunting, fishing and gathering to fulfil their needs.This ensures there is always food throughout the year. In shifting cultivation, there is a high level of diversity in the types of food crops grown.Shifting cultivation is a dynamic system which adapts to the prevailing circumstances and is modified as time passes.Fire is used to clear the land for cultivation.Let us look at some, not all, of the characteristics of shifting cultivation. The old plot is then left fallow for extended periods of time- traditionally 10-25 years. At this time, the shifting cultivator abandons this plot and moves to either a new area or an area previously cultivated and regenerated and re-starts the cycle. When about 3-4 years have elapsed, the crop yields decline due to soil exhaustion. After the plot has been cleared, it is cultivated, usually with crops that produce high yields. The cleared plot is often called milpa or swidden. The ash from the fire adds nutrients to the soil. 1 - A plot of land cleared by slash-and-burn for shifting cultivation. It is then cleared using the slash-and-burn method, whereby trees are cut, and then fire is set to the entire plot of land.įig. The site for cultivation is first selected. However, in contemporary times, this is not necessarily so as the population has grown, the land available has become lower. This was because the population involved in its practice was much lower, and there was enough land for the fallow periods to be very long. Traditionally, in addition to being self-sufficient, the shifting cultivation system was a very sustainable form of farming. In this way, shifting cultivation is a self-sufficient system. If there is any surplus, it may be bartered or sold. crops are primarily grown to provide food for the farmer and his/her family. ![]() Shifting cultivation is a type of subsistence agriculture, i.e. During the fallow period, the land reverts to its natural vegetation, and the shifting cultivator moves on to another plot and repeats the process 1,3. ![]() Shifting cultivation is an extensive farming practice and refers to agricultural systems in which a plot of land is temporarily cleared (usually by burning) and cultivated for short periods of time, then abandoned and left in fallow for more extended periods of time than that during which it was cultivated.
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