Shifting cultivation in Amazonia: importance, impacts, and future perspectives

Abstract

This study aimed to highlight the role, implications, and future outlook of shifting cultivation in Amazonia - an ancient practice widely utilized in the region. Shifting cultivation involves the turnover of cultivated areas, interleaving agricultural species with natural regeneration, and is fundamental to the survival of rural Amazonian populations. However, the slash-and-burn process leads to a reduction in biodiversity, soil fertility, and aggregation. Additionally, it poses negative impacts on the flora and fauna, as the allotted time for fallow in the diverse Amazonian contexts may not be sufficient due to the necessity for food production. This results in the expansion of fields and, consequently, an increase in degraded area. In this context, the use of ecological recovery techniques, both active and passive, becomes essential for maintaining ecosystem services. The secondary forest formed after shifting cultivation exhibits high biodiversity, contributing to carbon sequestration and storage. The future sustainability of shifting cultivation in Amazonia depends on achieving a balance between forest maintenance and food production. This requires active participation from the agricultural community and the implementation of low environmental impact technologies or techniques.