Assertion (A) : Unlike temperate forests, the tropical rain forests, if cleared, can yield productive farm-land that can support intensive agriculture for several years even without chemical fertilizers. Reason (R) : The primary productivity of the tropical rain forest is very high when compared to that of the temperature forests.

The Assertion is false while the Reason is true. Tropical rainforests have very high above‑ground productivity, but most nutrients are held in living biomass and are rapidly cycled; dead litter decomposes quickly and released nutrients are immediately absorbed by roots, leaving soils low in organic matter and humus [1]. Clearing by fire (slash‑and‑burn) temporarily increases soil fertility through ash inputs, yet this fertility typically declines within a few years (commonly 3–5 years), forcing shifting cultivation—so such cleared rainforest cannot sustainably support intensive agriculture for many years without external inputs [2]. Thus R is correct about high productivity, but it does not validate A’s claim about long‑term productive farmland.

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 3: MAJOR BIOMES > 1. Tropical Evergreen Rainforest Biome > p. 5
2. [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Primary Activities > Primitive Subsistence Agriculture > p. 27