What happens to the soil after agricultural practices like slash and burn are repeated?

Slash and burn agriculture involves cutting down vegetation and setting it on fire to clear land for farming. Initially, this method can make nutrients from the burned plants available to the soil, temporarily enhancing fertility. However, when this practice is repeated without allowing the soil to recover, significant negative effects occur.

As the cycle continues, the soil becomes increasingly depleted of nutrients due to factors such as erosion and the loss of the natural organic matter that helps retain soil structure and fertility. The intense heat from the fires can also result in soil degradation. Over time, repeated exposure to fire and the lack of regenerative growth lead to reduced soil quality, making it more susceptible to erosion by wind and water. This rapid erosion strips away the topsoil, which is crucial for sustaining plant life, ultimately leading to a decline in agricultural viability in the area.

Thus, the impact of repeated slash and burn practices is a marked increase in soil erosion, making it less capable of supporting crops effectively over time. This illustrates the potential pitfalls of certain agricultural practices and the importance of sustainable farming techniques.