Crop rotation is an important part of Field and Crop management and planned order of planting crops. It is a prehistoric agricultural practice that has evolved in the modern world but still in practice, especially in organic farming.
Crop rotation means the cultivation of different crops on the same piece of land in different seasons with a specific sequence in a year to maintain soil yield and fertility.
EXAMPLE OF CROP ROTATION
According to crop rotation theory, plant corn in a field that consumes heavy nitrogen from the soil and rotates it with the soybeans which deposit heavy nitrogen in the soil and it is the best choice to retain a healthy balance of nitrogen in the soil through farming.
Wheat--->Legumes--->Cereals
Wheat--->Fodder--->Garlic/Onion/Mint
IMPORTANCE OF CROP ROTATION
Crop rotation is important because farmers grow flourished crops of different types, subtypes, or varieties than previous crops to maintain soil health.
ADVANTAGES OF CROP ROTATION
Recovers Soil Structure
Different crops have different growth strategies which strengthen the soil structure. Some plants have deep roots which bring air moisture and nutrients to the deep soil layers while some plants have delicate roots which absorb moisture from the surface so they keep the balance of air water and nutrients between surface soil and deep soil.
Intensification of Soil Fertility and Microbial Activity
Different crops can increase soil fertility and microorganism activity. Beans and nuts can fix nitrogen deficiency in the soil while they decompose and release nitrogen in the soil, growing maize at that time can balance the excessive nitrogen in the soil because maize needs an excessive amount of nitrogen.
Regulate Pests, Weeds and Diseases Attack
Cultivation of different crops in the same field can break the life cycle and multiplication of weeds, pests, and diseases in the soil.
Maximum Variety of Farm Output
Cultivation of different crops means farmers have more variety of output from farms in the same field which means they have a variety of food for selling in the market. It is cost-effective.
LIMITATIONS OF CROP ROTATION
- It requires more geographical knowledge and skill about crop type, soil type, the climate of the area, available irrigation system, etc.
- More risk is involved
- Improper crop rotation can cause much damage
FACTORS FOR CROP ROTATION
They are basic important factors keep in mind while farmers are deciding to opt for crop rotation as a farming method:
- Soil type, fertility, health
- Crop rooting habit
- Farm inputs availability and Price
- The climate of the area
- Socio-economic conditions
- Knowledge and Skills
PRINCIPLES OF CROP ROTATION IN ORGANIC FARMING
Successful crop rotation is based upon the choice of the right crop for the right soil.
- Deep roots plants must be rotated by shallow root plants
- Legumes must be rotated by non-legumes plants
- Grains must be rotated by fodders or green crops
- Grass-like flower plants must be rotated by non-grassy crops
- Field crops with fodders
- Long duration crops must be rotated by the crops that grow in short duration
- Pastures by seeds
- Dry crops by wet crops (wheat and rice)
- Minimum ploughing crops must be rotated by maximum ploughing crops
NECESSITIES OF CROP ROTATION
The area must be the same in size and location every year. There must be one tillage crop in a cycle to remove weeds. The most profitable crop must cultivate a large area. The sowing date must be the same for all crops.
CROP SELECTION FOR ROTATION
The crop must be adaptable to the climate of the area. It must be high in demand in the local market. Seeds are easily available. Other farm inputs must be adaptable and easily available for plantation. The maturity of the crop must be according to the market demand and resistant to pests and diseases.
CONCLUSION
Crop rotation is an important tool to handle the problems of diseases, insect pest infestation, and weeds. Crop rotation aims to improve soil fertility and crop yield. When crops are planted in sequence, the farmer enjoys the diversity of the products and time of operations in the field and it is the best solution to get rid of the use of chemical fertilizers in the farms to increase soil yield.