Swidden Agriculture: Ancient Systems in Transition Sustaining Food ...
Swidden Agriculture: Ancient Systems in Transition Sustaining Food ...
Swidden Agriculture: Ancient Systems in Transition Sustaining Food ...
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Summary attributes of <strong>in</strong>tegral swidden systems<br />
• adapted to nutrient limited sites (esp. acid, <strong>in</strong>fertile tropical soils)<br />
• wide climatic adaptability (seasonally dry � perhumid)<br />
• vegetation <strong>in</strong>cludes:<br />
- crops – highly variable, site-specific, production for hh & market<br />
- fallow – bush (3-5 yr) � forest (15-20 yr), site & climate dependent<br />
- weeds – m<strong>in</strong>imal if long fallow<br />
• native flora, ecosystem processes & regeneration paths ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
• natural/biological control of <strong>in</strong>sects & disease pathogens<br />
• high biodiversity conservation value (habitat & connectivity)<br />
• use & management:<br />
- relatively low capital & labor<br />
- knowledge & experience <strong>in</strong>tensive (TEKP)<br />
- regulated via social norms, cultural traditions & religious practices
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