How does slash & burn farming impact agriculture?
• a) It returns nutrients to the soil for the first few rotations.
• b) It hurts the soil after the first plants are slashed and burned.
• c) It encourages new animals to return to the areas.
• d) The smoke pollution causes acid rain.
a) It returns nutrients to the soil for the first few rotations.
Slash and burn farming involves cutting down vegetation and burning it to clear land for agriculture. While this practice initially releases nutrients from the burned vegetation into the soil, it does not provide a long-lasting benefit. The nutrients released during the burning process are quickly utilized by the crops in the first few rotations. Over time, the continuous practice of slash and burn farming leads to the depletion of soil nutrients, as the burnt vegetation is not being replaced adequately. This can ultimately lead to soil degradation and reduced agricultural productivity.
b) It hurts the soil after the first plants are slashed and burned.
As mentioned above, slash and burn farming can lead to soil degradation over time. Once the initial vegetation is cleared and burned, the practice of repeatedly slashing and burning leaves the soil exposed to erosion, loss of organic matter, and reduced water retention capacity. This can result in soil compaction, nutrient leaching, and decreased fertility, ultimately negatively impacting agricultural production.
c) It encourages new animals to return to the areas.
While slash and burn farming may temporarily disrupt ecosystems and drive away certain animal species, it can also lead to the creation of new habitats that attract other animals. The burning process can stimulate the growth of certain plants and create open areas that may attract wildlife seeking food or shelter. However, it is important to note that the overall impact on biodiversity can be negative, as many species may not be able to adapt to the changing landscape caused by slash and burn agriculture.
d) The smoke pollution causes acid rain.
The practice of slash and burn farming can produce significant amounts of smoke and air pollution. However, the direct connection between this smoke pollution and acid rain is not straightforward. Acid rain occurs when emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) from sources like industrial processes and burning fossil fuels interact with water vapor in the atmosphere. While the burning associated with slash and burn farming can release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants, the emissions of SO2 and NOx are typically lower. Therefore, the impact of slash and burn farming on acid rain is likely minimal compared to other human activities.