Description of practice
Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops in succession on a piece of land to avoid exhausting the soil. It reduces soil erosion, increases fertility and yield, and controls weeds, pests and diseases.
| Examples of how to use crop rotation/diversification | Further information (see Note below) |
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Crop rotation with legumesLegumes are included in a crop rotation with cereals and other crops because of their nitrogen fixation potential. Legumes help to maintain soil fertility and reduce the use of fertilizer. |
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Crop rotation to promote safe vegetablesVegetables from different plant families are include in the rotation. The occurrence of pests and diseases is reduced, and crop production improved with reduced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. |
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Organic agricultureOrganic agriculture is based on a 5 year crop rotation with no use of artificial plant protection products and mineral fertilizers. Nitrogen is introduced via organic manure, legume crops and residues. |
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Cereals and fodder legumes (lupine)Lupine is included in a biennial crop rotation with cereals. Lupine is able to grow on poor and stony soils, it improves soil quality, controls erosion and provides fodder. |
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Rotation programA diverse rotation of at least five crops within a farm is used for more biodiversity and less intensive cultivation practice. There are positive impacts on the soil and reduced use of inputs. |
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Agroforestry community gardenA rotation of horticulture (during the dry season) and millet (during the rainy season) is used within an agroforestry system, enclosed and protected by a live fence of Prosopis juliflora. |
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Diversification of crops in salinized soils with legumes and green manureAn existing crop rotation is improved by including legumes and green manure: wheat/legumes/ green manure/cotton ensures year-round soil cover and slows down secondary salinization. |
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Crop diversification with the application of rotation techniquesCrop diversification is achieved with rotating eleven crop varieties each with an average lifespan of 3 months: spring onions, anise basil, Cambodian mint, bok choy, choy sum, escarole, mint, long beans, cucumbers, bitter melons and lettuce. |
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Note: Most of the Further information links are to a full description of the example in the WOCAT database. However sometimes the link may be to similar practices or a research paper. Occasionally the link is to a commercial product in which case it should be understood that this does not imply any endorsement of the product by iSQAPER.