Biogeochemistry of land use change in Meso-America
Presenting person: Prof. Dr. Holm Tiessen, University of Saskatchewan, SaskatoonTh. 2001-11-22 (16:15), H6
Shifting cultivation is still a predominant form of landuse in the tropics. In this landuse system soil fertility built up during natural fallows is used and depleted during a typically 3-5 year cultivation phase which is initiated by slashing and burning the fallow vegetation. Meso-America has more than 1000 year history of shifting cultivation under the traditional Mayan Milpa landuse system. Much speculation surrounds the potential causes for the decline of the Mayan empire. Present day agriculture still largely relies on traditional Mayan practices but yields are low and the sustainability of agriculture is questionable. Nutrient and organic matter cycling, and land quality will be examined during the seminar in the context of typical shifting cultivation systems in Meso-America and elsewhere. Measurable soil fertility on Meso-American limestone soils is high, but cultivation cycles are shorter than in much of the tropics and productivity is limited. Causes of this anomaly will be examined in the geochemical, historical and cultural context of the region.
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