Most of the settlers who come to the rainforest are impoverished farmers. Believing the soil is fertile, the farmer burn the forest to create agricultural land. However, in actuality, rainforest soil is very nutrient poor. Because of the poor quality of the soil and increased erosion, agricultural use is limited to a few growing seasons. What is left behind is little more than a barren wasteland.
Cattle ranches are another important factor in the destruction of rainforests.
The revenues generated by beef exports make significant contributions to Latin American economies. Therefore, many national governments encourage their citizens to build ranches in the rainforests. The United States imports the majority of Latin American beef. Because production costs are lower, the price of a hamburger is a few cents cheaper. Rainforests pasture cannot sustain cattle for long.