Shifting cultivation is still practiced in many mountainous regions of Southeast Asia and in the Amazon River basin. Shifting cultivation is difficult to maintain with larger and larger populations. The technique is sometimes referred to as a "slash and burn" technique, which is commonly used. This is especially popular in South America as ranchers and farmers clear land to raise their commodities. Previously, a style used by indigenous populations in South America used only small patches to cultivate for a period of time and then allowed to regrow and recover for future use again.
