How does crop rotation benefit soil health?

Crop rotation benefits soil health primarily through the process of alternating nutrient demand from different crops. Different plants have varying nutrient requirements and root structures, which means that rotating crops can help maintain balanced nutrient levels in the soil. For instance, legumes like beans and peas can fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits subsequent crops that require higher nitrogen levels. This practice reduces the risk of nutrient depletion and fosters a more diverse soil microbiome, enhancing soil fertility and structure over time.

The other options do not accurately reflect the principal benefits of crop rotation. Depleting nutrients contradicts the purpose of rotating crops, which aims to sustain soil fertility. Preventing soil erosion is a benefit of various farming practices, but it is not the primary mechanism by which crop rotation improves soil health. Increasing pest populations would actually be a negative outcome rather than a benefit, as rotation is intended to disrupt pest cycles and lower pest pressures in the soil.