People in general may not be familiar with crop rotation benefits and methods, but such practice is real. The practice may seem simple in theory (and on paper), but in reality, it’s not as easy as it looks. In fact, it’s pretty complex, but it seriously homes the farmers’ skills to the highest level.

Understanding the Concept of Crop Rotation

Before we dig deeper into crop rotation benefits and methods, you should know about the core concept. Crop rotation refers to the action of growing different kinds of plants on the exact same farm land. This is the practice that is in contrast to random succession or mono cropping. In general, there are 2 to even 12 different plants within a simple rotation. In a more complex arrangement, it takes more than 12 different types. A general (crop rotation) cycle can last up to 8 years, respectively.

Let’s say that you want to improve sugar cane growth. Sugar cane commonly uses tons of nitrogen. To restore the balance of nitrogen within the soil, you may think about growing beans after the sugar cane. Beans can naturally add nitrogen (to the soil), which means that you can improve the nutrient fertility and balance within the soil.

potato crops

Planning and managing crop rotation isn’t easy. It takes expert placement and also strategies. You want to get healthy crops with eco-friendly results and minimal cost. That’s why most farmers have their own crop rotation charts and planning.

The General Benefits

Now we take a deeper insight into crop rotation benefits and methods. What are the general benefits of such practice?
  • It can improve soil structure. One of the most common soil issues is the soil compaction. But with crop rotation, the practice will improve the physical texture. By rotating various plants with various roots, the soil will have to ‘adjust and adapt’ to the condition. Poor soil structure can get the right hormonal boost that repairs the damage.
  • It reduces the possibility of pollution. With crop rotation, plants can get optimal nutrients. It means that you won’t have to use chemical fertilizers. It’s great for the surrounding environment when you don’t have to deal with soil pollution.
  • It can prevent soil erosion. Crop rotation for some produce (such as oats, cereal rye, or wheat products) can protect the topsoil. Imagine them as a protective blanket for the crops. Not to mention that such action can protect the roots, making sure that they get the best nutrients to stay solid and strong.

The Common Methods

Here are some methods or strategies in crop rotation.
  • By plant family. This is actually one of the most popular techniques. You basically plant different (plant) families in sequential or seasonal manner.
  • By plant compatibility. Plants can complement each other within a rotation cycle. For instance, sweet corn would be a good option before planting potatoes as sweet corn can actually boost potato’s productivity and results.
  • By rooting type and depth. In this practice, you basically alternate different plants having different length of roots within one plot, like cauliflower and beets.
  • By nutrient requirements. In general, you need to plant legumes first before you can plant heavy feeders, like corn or tomatoes.

Don’t forget to include cover plants and legumes. It’s wise if you can mix grasses and legumes so the soil can get the best benefits. Let’s say that you have planted soybeans or maize before. These plants won’t use up the nitrogen. If you plant grass, it will use the unused nitrogen. It’s safe to say that grass is very good at reusing the nitrogen. Legumes themselves may not be as effective as the grass, but they can enrich the soil. This will benefit the next plant. That’s why the grass and legume combination is considered one of the best.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash