Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

slash-and-burn

noun
/ˈslæʃ ənd bɜrn/
Definition
A method of agriculture that involves cutting and burning plants in a forest or woodland to create fields for growing crops.
Examples
  • Farmers in some tropical regions still use slash-and-burn to cultivate their fields.
  • Slash-and-burn practices can lead to deforestation if not managed properly.
  • The community discussed sustainable alternatives to traditional slash-and-burn methods.
Meaning
The term describes a technique used to clear land for farming by slashing the vegetation and then burning it to enrich the soil with ash.
Synonyms
  • Shifting cultivation
  • Swidden agriculture