What is the main purpose of crop rotation?

The main purpose of crop rotation is to maintain or increase soil fertility. This agricultural practice involves alternating the types of crops grown in a particular area across seasons or years. Different plants have varying nutrient requirements and root systems, which can affect soil structure and nutrient levels.

When crops that are nitrogen-fixing, such as legumes, are planted in rotation with other crops, they help enrich the soil with nitrogen, thereby enhancing its fertility. Similarly, rotating deep-rooted and shallow-rooted plants can improve soil aeration and structure. This diversity in cropping helps prevent soil depletion, as different plants utilize different nutrients, allowing for a more balanced soil nutrient profile over time.

Utilizing a single crop consistently often leads to nutrient depletion and can result in increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, which is why rotating crops is a fundamental practice in sustainable agriculture.