Extensive Farming

Definition

Extensive farming is a type of agriculture that uses fewer inputs (like labor, capital, or equipment) and relies on large areas of land. It often results in lower yields compared to intensive farming.

Analogy

Think of extensive farming like going for a leisurely jog in a big park. You're covering a lot of ground, but you're not exerting as much energy per square foot as you would if you were sprinting on a smaller track (which would be more like intensive farming).

Related terms

Pastoralism: This is the practice of raising livestock over large expanses of land. It's another form of extensive farming because it requires lots of space and relatively less labor per unit area.

Shifting Cultivation: This is an agricultural system where areas are cultivated temporarily then abandoned while post-disturbance fallow vegetation is allowed to freely grow; it's often used in regions with low soil fertility.

Ranching: This refers to the practice of raising herds of animals on large tracts of land. Ranchers typically let their cattle graze across vast areas, which makes this another example of extensive farming.