Shifting Cultivation And Bush Fallowing

Shifting cultivation and bush fallowing are traditional agricultural practices that have been used for centuries in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where the soil is not as fertile as in other areas.

The practice involves clearing a patch of land for cultivation, usually by cutting and burning vegetation, and then planting crops on it for several years until the soil fertility declines. The cultivators then abandon the field and move to a new site, allowing the land to regenerate naturally or through bush fallowing.

What is shifting cultivation?

The practice of farming sporadic clearings in a natural vegetation reserve (a forest or woodland meadow) and then abandoning them as soon as the soil is depleted is known as shifting cultivation. In most cases in shifting cultivation the farmer never returns to the abandoned land.

Also shifting cultivation involves clearing and burning the forest to make way for a few years of agriculture, followed by a time of “fallow” or uncultivated land. The vegetation is trimmed, and the debris is burned, to enable cleaning the ground before cultivation. Slash-and-burn agriculture and swidden agriculture are other names for this method.

Compared to the period of cultivation, the fallow period is substantially longer; 3-5 years of cultivation followed by 5-20 years of fallow land. The time that a field is cultivated is typically less than the time that it is left fallow to allow the land to rejuvenate.

The term “fallow season” refers to the time when the land is allowed to rest in order to replenish lost nutrients. The fallow season is required because the crop first produces at a high rate because the nutrients from the burned vegetation are integrated into the soil, reducing acidity and raising fertility.

After two to three years of cultivation, as insect and weed populations develop, nutrient demand rises, soils deplete, weeding expenses rise, and crop output declines. As secondary vegetation colonizes the plot during a protracted fallow period, nitrogen cycling can be restored; after a while, the soil’s qualities are again favorable for cultivation.

What is bush fallowing?

Bush fallowing is a sort of shifting cultivation where a farmer cultivates a patch of land for two or more years before leaving it for a while so that the land can turn into a forest and recuperate its nutrients before being used once more. In this method, the farmer may rotate from one section to another but not fully leave that area. The bush fallow technique is often referred to as land rotation.

Bush fallowing is a process that is often used in conjunction with shifting cultivation. It involves allowing the fallow land to regrow naturally, either by planting nitrogen-fixing species or by leaving it undisturbed. The process helps to restore soil fertility and increases the yield of crops in the future.

The length of time that the fallow period lasts varies, depending on the region and the species that are present, but it can last anywhere from several months to several years.

Read also: Crop rotation

Differences between shifting cultivation and bush fallowing

1. This is a farming technique in which a parcel of land is constantly cultivated for a considerable amount of time before being abandoned because of a loss of soil fertility, the buildup of pests and diseases, and the ensuing decrease in crop output. The farmer gives up not only his old land but also his home in search of a new farm and a new community, with no plans to go back. Bush fallowing, on the other hand, entails cultivating crops on a piece of ground until it is exhausted, at which point the area is left fallow until being used once more.
2. Land Settlements: Rotating bush fallowing villages are defined, and their settlements are permanent, but shifting cultivation settlements and land demarcations are temporary.
3. Geographical Location: Bush fallowing is employed in regions with expanding populations, while shifting cultivation is used in areas with less dense populations.
4. Land under shifting cultivation returns to woodland and forest, whereas it is not so in bush fallowing because it takes a short time.
5. In shifting cultivation, the land is communally owned as opposed to been privately owned in bush fallowing.

Similarities between shifting cultivation and bush fallowing

1. They practice traditional farming techniques.
2. They cultivate annual crops that are only harvested once a year together with cereals.
3. Both rely on the environment and use a minimal amount of irrigation or fertilizer.
4. Both of these are practiced in remote areas with few people.
5. They are both farming systems.
6. To clear land, they both use bush fire.

Read also: Vertical farming

Why are they being practiced?

1. Lack of Alternative Resources: In many areas where shifting cultivation and bush fallowing are practiced, there are limited resources and technologies available to support more intensive forms of agriculture. As a result, these traditional practices are often the most viable option for farmers to grow crops and feed their families.
2. Cultural Significance: This practice are often deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of indigenous communities. These practices are passed down from generation to generation and are seen as an important part of the community’s heritage.
3. Natural Resource Management: They allow for the regeneration of soil fertility, as crops are rotated and land is allowed to lie fallow for a period of time. This helps to conserve soil and natural resources, and reduces the need for chemical inputs.
4. Biodiversity Conservation: Can help to conserve biodiversity by maintaining natural habitats and ecosystems. By allowing land to lie fallow, farmers can help to protect wildlife and maintain the health of the surrounding environment.
5. Adaptability to Environmental Change: They are flexible agricultural practices that can be adapted to changing environmental conditions, such as changes in rainfall patterns or soil fertility. This makes these practices well-suited to areas where environmental conditions are unpredictable.

Advantages of shifting cultivation and bush fallowing

Shifting cultivation and bush fallowing are two traditional agricultural practices that have been used by indigenous communities in many parts of the world for centuries. Both practices have several advantages, which are discussed below:

1. Biodiversity Conservation: They help to maintain the biodiversity of the area by preserving the natural vegetation and promoting the growth of a diverse range of plant species. This provides habitats for a wide range of wildlife and ensures the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.
2. Soil Fertility: These practices allow the soil to recover its fertility naturally, as the fallow period allows for the decomposition of organic matter, the buildup of soil nutrients, and the restoration of soil structure. This results in higher yields and reduced dependence on artificial fertilizers.
3. Water Conservation: Shifting cultivation and bush fallowing promote the retention of soil moisture, reducing the need for irrigation and helping to conserve water resources.
4. Carbon Sequestration: The organic matter that accumulates during the fallow period helps to increase the soil’s carbon content, which acts as a carbon sink, mitigating the effects of climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
5. Reduced Risk: They reduce the risk of crop failure due to factors such as pests, diseases, and drought. By moving from one plot to another, farmers can avoid the buildup of pests and diseases and ensure the continued productivity of the land.
6. Cultural Significance: These practices have cultural and spiritual significance for many indigenous communities, providing a connection to their ancestral lands and a sense of identity and community. They are also a source of traditional knowledge and wisdom, passed down from generation to generation.

Read also: Mixed farming

Disadvantages of shifting cultivation and bush fallowing

1. Low Yields: Shifting cultivation and bush fallowing typically result in low yields, compared to more intensive forms of agriculture. This is because these systems rely on natural processes for soil fertility, and the soil is only partially replenished between cropping cycles.
2. Soil Degradation: Over time, shifting cultivation and bush fallowing can lead to soil degradation due to the removal of nutrients and organic matter from the soil. The repeated cultivation of crops on the same plot of land can also lead to soil compaction and the loss of soil structure.
3. Unsustainable Use of Natural Resources: Shifting cultivation and bush fallowing can result in the overuse of natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. This can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and the decline of wildlife populations.
4. Poor Pest and Disease Management: Shifting cultivation and bush fallowing do not provide adequate mechanisms for managing pests and diseases, which can result in the spread of harmful organisms and reduced crop yields.
5. Lack of Technology and Mechanization: Shifting cultivation and bush fallowing are typically low-tech and labor-intensive, which can result in lower productivity and reduced efficiency. This can also limit the ability of farmers to respond to changing market demands and environmental conditions.
6. Limited Market Access: Shifting cultivation and bush fallowing can limit access to markets for crops, as the production systems are not designed to meet the demands of modern markets. This can reduce the economic viability of these systems and limit the income-earning potential of farmers.

Read also: Difference between subsistence and commercial farming

The bottom line

Overall, shifting cultivation and bush fallowing are important traditional agricultural methods that have been used for thousands of years. While there are both advantages and disadvantages associated with the practice, it remains an important part of the cultural heritage and livelihoods of many indigenous communities.