17. slash-and-burn agriculture

History 8 Agriculture Vocabulary

Slash-and-burn agriculture is an ancient tactic in which one utilizes fire to prepare the fields used for harvest, and when the rate of production declines, abandoning the area. Due to the harsh flames, the nutrients in the soil deplete, leading to failure in the crops. Eventually, weeds begin to grow back in more abundance the crop, also contributing to the minimizing of produce. Although this concept originated in the time period we are currently studying, it is still in use today. This form of agriculture contrasts the characteristics of settled agriculture, in which land was divided and deliberately given to families, villages, or landlords. In contrary to slash-and-burn agriculture, this method forces the people to remain on the land and to work the soil over a longer period of time than what can be accomplished within the time it takes for a large fire to prepare the soil.

Sources:

Eighth History Manual: Ancient Origins (pg. 80)

http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/156045/

http://www.britannica.com/topic/slash-and-burn-agriculture

http://www.jonahkessel.com/index.php#mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=11&p=0&a=0&at=0 (PHOTO)

Sarah Jane Lasley