Alternative agriculture

A typical modern Central American Milpa. The corn stalks have been bent and left to dry with cobs still on, for other crops, such as beans, to be planted. (Note: the banana plants in the background are not native, but are now a common part of modern Central American agriculture) Alternative agriculture is also known as displacement agriculture. Farmers cut down the trees in their small area and burn the trees and grow simple crops like pulses and tubers in those areas. After a few years they leave those lands and select another part of the forest and do agriculture in the above manner. The land is then left fallow for reforestation, with farmers moving to new land and returning after several years (10-20). This fallow period shortens as population density increases and requires a supply of nutrients (fertilizers) or manure and some manual pest control. Alternative farming industry is known by different names in different places. [[Brazil|It is known as Rocco in Brazil, Milpa in Central America, Soom, Bewar and Boda in India.