(a)Define shifting cultivation
(b)Describe the practice of shifting cultivation in Nigeria under the following headings:
i.three characteristics
ii.two benefits
iii.four disadvantages
Explanation
(a)Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system in which plots of land are cultivated temporarily, then abandoned while post-disturbance fallow vegetation is allowed to freely grow while the cultivator moves on to another plot.
(b)i.
(*) Vegetation is cleared by slashing and burning.
(*) There is the use of little or no manure.
(*) The yields decline after a certain period of continuous use.
ii.
- It helps used land to get back all lost nutrients and as long as no damage occurs therefore, this form of agriculture is one of the most sustainable methods.
- The land can be easily recycled or regenerated thus; it receives seeds and nutrients from the nearing vegetation or environment.
iii.
1. It tends to discourage high level
of inputs.
2. Because the farms stays in one
location only for a short while, there is no incentives to invest in
permanent structures such as store sheds, irrigation and even certain
pest control soil erosion or soil conservation measures that may
have a long-term benefits.
3. It requires a great deal of land to
maintain the system.
4. Low efficiency in land utilization.