Tropical agriculture
Tropical agriculture is crop and livestock production adapted to the warm climates, seasonal rainfall, and varied soils of tropical regions.
Tropical climate: The climate regime of low-latitude regions, generally marked by warmth throughout the year and distinct rainfall patterns. Year-round warmth and seasonal rains shape growing seasons, pests, and water management.
Rice: A cereal grain grown especially in flooded or irrigated fields, as well as in rainfed upland systems. Rice farming ranges from irrigated lowlands to rainfed systems across tropical Asia and Africa.
Intercropping: The practice of growing two or more crops together in the same field during part or all of a growing season. Mixed crops can use space and resources differently while spreading production risks.
Deforestation: The conversion or removal of forest cover, commonly to create farmland, pasture, or infrastructure. Clearing forests for crops and grazing is a major pathway of tropical land conversion.
Climate change and agriculture: The interactions between changing climate conditions and agricultural production, livelihoods, and land use. Heat, rainfall shifts, and extreme events are changing conditions for tropical crops and livestock.
Tropical soils: Soils of tropical regions, often deeply weathered and variable in fertility, acidity, and organic matter. Soil constraints help explain choices of crops, amendments, and cultivation methods.
Cassava: A drought-tolerant root crop native to South America and cultivated widely in the tropics. Its ability to produce under low-input conditions supports food security in many tropical regions.
Cover crop: A crop grown primarily to protect and improve soil rather than to be harvested as the main product. Cover crops reduce erosion and can add organic matter between tropical harvests.
Soil erosion: The detachment and transport of soil by water, wind, or other forces. Heavy rainfall on exposed tropical farmland can remove fertile topsoil rapidly.
Climate-smart agriculture: An approach to agriculture that seeks to raise productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and reduce or remove emissions where possible. Its goals frame debates over adaptation and mitigation in tropical farming.