Shifting cultivation systems practised in Bhutan

Abstract

In the highlands of Bhutan shifting cultivation remains an important land use practice, covering an area of approximately 200,000 ha. Two systems, bush fallow and grass fallow, are described and discussed. The traditional methods used in the two systems are well adapted to available resources. The systems differ in fallow vegetation, altitude range, major crops, fallow period, farming tools, clearing method, labour inputs, and erosion risks. Soils used for the grass fallow system are low in P and N. Major limitations for the bush fallow system are weed competition and the steep terrain. Returns from labour wereapproximately 10.6 and 4.2 kg grain per day for the bush fallow and the grass fallow system, respectively. Access to market through a recently built road system provides some cultivators with lucrative alternatives in the form of timber, livestock and potato production. Alternative options are more limited in the bush fallow system.