Question

What do you understand by 'crop rotation'? Giving a suitable example, explain how this practice is beneficial to the farmers.

Answer 1

Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of dissimilar or different types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons. It helps in reducing soil erosion and increases soil fertility and crop yield. With crop rotation, particular nutrients are replenished depending on the crops that are planted. For example, a simple rotation between heavy nitrogen using plant (e.g., corn) and a nitrogen depositing plant (e.g., soybeans) can help maintain a healthy balance of nutrients in the soil.

Crop rotation is beneficial to farmers as they use crop rotation to improve soil nutrients, foster soil quality, minimize soil erosion, and to increase water efficiency. A good rotation using nitrogen-fixing crops like beans helps to sustain farms, increasing productivity and lowering input costs.