Slash-and-burn is an agricultural practice where trees and vegetation are cut down and burned to clear land for farming. This method is often used in tropical regions, where the soil can be nutrient-rich after the ash from the burned plants enriches it. Farmers typically grow crops for a few years until the soil's nutrients are depleted, after which they may move to a new area. While slash-and-burn can provide short-term benefits for small-scale farmers, it can lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity if practiced unsustainably. This method is often associated with the cultivation of crops like rice and cassava, and it can contribute to environmental issues such as soil erosion and climate change.