Suggested farming systems for lowland forest areas where land is scarce

Abstract

The long forest fallow (bush fallow or shifting cultivation) is the basis of the traditional farming system used in the lowlands for food production. Under the system the forest is cleared, a garden is planted and after the garden is harvested, the forest is allowed to grow back again. The garden usually lasts for one or two years and the fallow is 10 years long or more. The system is a very good one for Papua New Guinean conditions.