Define Crop Rotation

Definition of Crop Rotation

Do you know what is crop rotation? Crop rotation is a process of growing different crops in regular recurrent succession on a piece of land for a specific period.

Crop Rotation Advantages/Why is crop rotation important?

Do you know what is the purpose of crop rotation? and what was the benefit of crop rotation?. There are many direct and indirect advantages of crop rotation and that’s why farmers use a system of crop rotation and help to increase crop production. These are;

  • Maintain soil fertility and productivity.
  • Ensure Economic use of soil resources.
  • Improve soil physical and biological conditions.
  • Provide better weeds and insect control.
  • Prevent soil erosion.
  • Economize farm, labor, and cost.
  • Provide economic utilization of manure and fertilizer.
  • Systematized the family business.
  • Crop diversification is possible.
  • Ultimately increase the crop yield.

Limitations/Disadvantages of Crop Rotation 

  • Rotation is not always advisable.
  • In the case of producing silage, such as maize or sorghum, which are very heavy and bulky, it may be advisable to grow these crops on the field near the silo pit.
  • Weather conditions and other accidents may interfere with the rotation.
  • Soil type may be suited for only 1 or 2 crops.
  • Soil topography is restricted to grow more than one crop in a particular locality.

Crop rotation Planning/Principles

  • Local demand for the crop is the prime consideration.
  • It should have the flexibility to introduce alternate crops under adverse conditions.
  • It should include a food crop for consumption by the farmers and a fodder crop for livestock.
  • Smother or cover crop should be included in rotation to control soil.
  • Good rotation should include green manuring crops.
  • Good rotation should include leguminous crops.
  • Good rotation should include a profitable cash crop.
  • Good rotation should include one tilled crop for eliminating weeds.
  • Good rotation should include heavily manured crops to increase nutrient status in soil.
  • Deep-rooted crops should be followed by shallow-rooted crops.
  • Adjustment of the crop should be made according to irrigation facilities.
  • During rotation, the land should be kept fallow for one season.
  • Grain crops should be followed by leguminous crops.
  • The suitability of the crop should be taken into consideration.
  • The rotation and feeding system should provide for keeping up the organic matter of the soil.

Leave a Comment