Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
slash-and-burn
noun
/slæʃ ənd bɜrn/
Definition
A method of agriculture that involves cutting down vegetation and burning it to clear land for farming.
Examples
- Farmers practiced slash-and-burn in the rainforest to cultivate crops.
- The slash-and-burn technique has been criticized for its impact on biodiversity.
- To maximize yield, some communities resort to slash-and-burn farming methods.
Meaning
This technique is often used in tropical areas to create arable land by removing trees and shrubs, enriching the soil with ash, but can lead to significant environmental damage if overused.
Synonyms
- Shifting cultivation
- Swidden agriculture
- Burn agriculture
