Question

Multiple Choice

Which is the best description of shifting cultivation?
O planting a different crop every year for 10 years
O planting a crop for one year, and then moving to new location
O planting the same crop in the same place for 10 years
Sh
O planting a crop for a few years, and then moving to a new location
O planting a single crop year-round on large tracts of land permanently

Answer 1

Shifting cultivation, or slash-and-burn agriculture, involves planting a crop for a few years and then moving to a new location. It allows the soil to recover and promotes natural vegetation regeneration.

Step-by-step explanation:

Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture or swidden farming, involves planting a crop for a few years and then moving to a new location. This process allows the soil to recover from nutrient depletion and the natural vegetation to regenerate. It is often practiced in tropical regions where the soil is poor and not suitable for long-term agriculture.

For example, in parts of Africa and South America, indigenous communities practice shifting cultivation as a sustainable way of growing food while maintaining the health of the ecosystem. They clear a small area of land, burn the vegetation to release nutrients into the soil, and plant crops. After several years, when the fertility of the soil declines, they abandon that plot and move to a new area.

This method of farming helps prevent soil erosion, preserves biodiversity, and allows for natural forest regeneration. However, if not managed properly, it can lead to deforestation and loss of habitat for certain species.

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