Ecological analysis of climate change on soil characteristics under shifting cultivation practice in tropical moist regions

Abstract

This study delves into the multifaceted impact of climate change on soils subjected to shifting cultivation practices. Our findings reveal a complex interplay of both beneficial and adverse effects on the physical, chemical, and biological attributes of soils. Moreover, climate change exacerbates these detrimental impacts by inducing significant alterations in soil characteristics. Specifically, our study underscores that shifting cultivation practices, particularly those employing short fallow cycles, can pose a considerable threat to soil health when subjected to changing climatic conditions. In such scenarios, shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns have the potential to magnify the adverse consequences of shifting cultivation on soils, ultimately outweighing any positive influences. This study highlights the critical need for sustainable land management strategies, especially in the face of climate change, to preserve and enhance soil health and resilience in shifting cultivation regions.