Causes of deforestation include road development, poor initial soil conditions, and the distance between farms. This can explain much of the deforestation and land degradation in the Brazilian Amazon. Much of the development that has occurred in the Brazilian Amazon cannot be supported. Distances from major industrial and commercial areas add to product shipping costs.
Roads are difficult to maintain due to the heat, humidity, and rain common to the area.
Fertilizers and organic matter added to the Brazilian soil quickly cooks away in open areas, due to the heat. Most crops do not grow well under an existing forest canopy.