Most everyone has heard the term “slash and burn” agriculture. It’s the practice of clear cutting a patch of native forest and burning the clippings prior to growing crops, such as corn or rice. It is one of the quickest and cheapest ways clear forested lands for agricultural use.

But there is an easier and faster way to prepare land in that will provide more nutrients to the growing crops: Slash and mulch. It’s hardly revolutionary, and simply requires the farmer not burn the trees and brush that is cut down. The benefits are three-fold: First, there is much less work to do. Second, by not introducing fire the farmer doesn’t run the risk of starting an uncontrollable blaze – particularly problematic in the dry season when slash and burn is most often practiced. And third, the plant matter that has been cut down will enrich the soil for the crops as it decomposes.