Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

swidden

noun
/ˈswɪd.ən/
Definition
A method of farming where land is cleared for cultivation by burning.
Examples
  • Farmers practiced swidden agriculture to maximize crop yield in the forested regions.
  • The swidden was ready for planting after the ashes had settled from the burn.
  • In many cultures, swidden farming is a sustainable way to use forest resources.
Meaning
Swidden refers to a traditional agricultural practice that involves cutting and burning vegetation to create fields for crops, often followed by periods of fallow to restore soil fertility.
Synonyms
  • Slash-and-burn
  • Shifting cultivation
  • Fallow farming