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Benefits of crop rotation: That's why you need to plant different cultures
05.06.2023 08:50
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:25
Though it's easier to grow the same cultures every year, crop rotation can be really useful.
Specialists recommend to plant different cultures every year, claiming that this method can increase your harvest and make it healthier.
But how this work?
Disease and Pest Management
By rotating crops, you disrupt the life cycles of pathogens and pests, reducing their buildup in the soil.
It also decreases the reliance on chemical interventions for pest and disease control.
Nutrient Management
Some plants are heavy feeders, depleting specific nutrients from the soil, while others may add nutrients or have less demanding nutrient needs.
For example, legume plants have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, benefitting subsequent crops that have higher nitrogen requirements.
Weed Control
By rotating crops, you disrupt weed growth patterns, as weed species adapted to one crop may struggle to compete with another crop.
Soil Health and Structure
Crop rotation helps improve soil structure and fertility by diversifying root systems and organic matter decomposition rates.
It enhances soil aggregation, water retention, nutrient cycling, and microbial activity, leading to healthier soil overall.
Sustainable Agriculture
Crop rotation is a sustainable agricultural practice that promotes biodiversity, reduces reliance on synthetic inputs, and enhances long-term soil fertility.
