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The scientific basis for Shipibo soil classification and land use: changes in soil-plant associations with cash cropping

American anthropologist • 91 (1) • Published In 1989 • Pages: 83-100

By: Behrens, Clifford A..

Abstract

Since the Shipibo began cash cropping rice, their land use patterns have changed with proportionately less utilization of soft sandy soils, which are best for staple Musa production, and greater use of harder clayey soils, which are more suitable for rice and root crops. Statistical analysis of soil samples reveals the physical-chemical basis for Shipibo soil categories and indicates the effect of swidden agriculture on levels of important soil characteristics. While cultural principles for planting have summarized these important ecological relationships in the past, they are often violated with increasing rice production. Examination of time allocation and food consumption data shows that changes in Shipibo land use patterns are associated with higher labor costs during brief periods of the agricultural cycle and greater dependence on domesticated animal foods (p. 83).

HRAF PubDate

2002

Region

South America

Sub Region

Amazon and Orinoco

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; 2001

Field Date

June 1980-August 1981

Coverage Date

1980-1981

Coverage Place

village of Nuevo Eden, headwaters of the Pisqui River, Peru

Notes

Clifford A. Behrens

Includes bibliographical references (p. 97-100)

LCCN

17015424

LCSH

Shipibo-Conibo Indians